First review of Thurso's conservation area for 45 years bids to preserve Old St Peter's Church despite the Caithness committee agreeing to amend the boundary to exclude the mediaeval quarter of the town
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Old St Peter's Church has been preserved as part of the Thurso conservation area after the Caithness committee agreed to amend the boundary to exclude the mediaeval quarter of the town.
The removal of Old Thurso from the area was perhaps the most controversial change to the boundary while the addition of Springbank House was not welcomed by the owner of the property.
The decision will now be forwarded to Highland Council's economy and infrastructure committee where it is recommend for formal approval and adoption at its November meeting.
Thurso and Northwest Caithness Councillor Matthew Reiss brought an amendment to keep Old St Peter's Church which he described as the “jewel in the crown” for Thurso while also seeking to exclude Springbank House.
The reassessment is the first of the area since 1987 after which there were “significant changes” in legislation and conservation, according to Andrew Puls, the principal officer: building conservation and environment.
He said that local engagement was of a very high level with a huge number of knowledgeable and passionate responses as demonstrated by the question and officer responses in the papers.
According to the council papers the most contentious proposals was the removal of the mediaeval quarter from the Conservation Area which produced “strongly opposing views.”
“Some felt that it should be retained due to its mediaeval layout and important buildings, such as Old St Peter’s Kirk and the Turnpike. Others understood the rationale outlined in the appraisal for its removal, i.e., the lack of/loss of historic buildings and subsequent loss of character and the dominance of later 20th century development.”
We have met with the gentleman at Springbank House and ideally he would prefer that his property not be included in the conservation area but he acknowledges the work that has been done.
On the arguably even more important topic of the oldest part of Thurso. I have been underwhelmed by the support offered by national bodies. My observation is w
