Moves under way to regenerate Thurso ‘eyesore’
NO decision has been made on the future of an “eyesore” building in Thurso which was the subject of a compulsory purchase order last year.
Highland Council was granted permission to take over the B-listed property which comprises a house at 30 Princes Street and the adjoining former shop in Sir John’s Square.
The decision was taken following a public inquiry which was held in Thurso in March 2012 after the compulsory purchase application was opposed by owner Chaudry Rafiq Ahmed through his agent and nephew, Kamall Ahmed. Chaudry Ahmed died before the inquiry started.
The council acted after it claimed the corner building had been allowed to fall into disrepair. But that was rejected by Kamall Ahmed who amassed a dossier of evidence to support his case. But following the inquiry it was decided the local authority should be allowed to take over the property.
A council spokeswoman yesterday told the Caithness Courier “no decision has been made yet on what will happen to the building”.
The council said it plans to enter into discussions with people to bring the building back to life.
Highland Buildings Preservation Trust has expressed an interest in taking over the property.
The Scottish Government decided to let the local authority take over the property following the public inquiry.
The outcome delighted local councillors and the Thurso community council, as previously reported.