Mackintosh masterpiece set to stay covered up
Councillors agree to retention of protective box around The Hill House
Last updated 15th Sep 2023
A Charles Rennie Mackintosh masterpiece is set to stay inside its ‘metal box’ for up to another five years after council chiefs allowed it to remain in place.
The Hill House, in Helensburgh, has been surrounded by the structure since 2018, in order to prevent water damage while restoration work took place.
However, the Covid-19 pandemic has led to a delay in the restoration work, leading the National Trust for Scotland to apply for the retention of planning permission.
The bid was given the go-ahead this week, with only one representation received from the public in relation to car parking. No material changes are expected on the site.
Covid delay
A statement from the National Trust for Scotland, quoted in a handling report, said: “The intention of the trust was to have completed the work to repair/replace the exterior roughcast and other works to prevent water ingress to the house by the end of the original five-year temporary permission for the box.
“However, the effects of the pandemic on construction projects AND the slow pace of drying out of the core walls has meant that we are only now able to move forward.”
Historic Environment Scotland added: “While the temporary structure has a significant impact on the setting of the house, we accept that the proposed extension of planning permission is required to allow for further remedial works. The temporary impacts on the house are therefore justified.”
A council planning officer said: “While the temporary structure has a significant impact on the setting of the house, we accept that the proposed extension of planning permission is required to allow for further remedial works. The temporary impacts on the house are therefore justified.
“Based on the above, the proposal to retain the box for a further five years is considered to be a minor departure from policy, however significant weight is placed upon the temporary nature of the development and the need to facilitate the restoration of the Hill House.
“Taking these material considerations into account, the proposal is considered acceptable on the basis that they are required to enable essential repair work to keep Hill House a nationally important category A listed building.”