Historic houses owned by the Ministry of Defence are still standing empty – despite a ‘housing emergency’ being declared in Argyll and Bute.
The MoD claims two B-listed buildings in Shandon are being ‘appropriately maintained’ – despite a large section of roof collapsing in one of them.
Councils have a legal duty to ensure listed buildings are maintained, but Argyll and Bute says the MoD has an exemption from the Building Scotland Act 2003, so enforcement cannot be carried out – though it is questionable whether the actual wording (below) applies to empty buildings which are not being used.
The council did not respond when asked if officials had contacted the MoD about the Shandon House and The South Lodge of West Shandon House, but local MSP Jackie Baillie said action was needed.
“There is a severe shortage of housing across the Helensburgh and Lomond area with this problem replicated across the country,” she said
“Any empty homes which can be brought into use to ease this problem should be done as soon as possible.
“It is frustrating to have vacant homes fall into a state of disrepair when there is a housing crisis.
“I hope that the MoD will work with Argyll and Bute Council to maximise the opportunities for vacant homes when they are so urgently needed.”
Also known as the former St Andrew’s School, Shandon House was bought by the MoD in December 1989 for £2.5m, the equivalent of £8.5m today – since then it has stood empty, while becoming increasingly derelict.
A section of roof has been missing for some years.
It featured frequently when MoD and council officials meetings met behind closed doors, initially as an agenda item in its own right, with the MoD saying it was keen to dispose of the site but this ‘requires careful handling due to security sensitivities’.
Minutes show that in May 2017 a council planning official told the MoD the building should be made wind and watertight.
Within three years part of the roof had collapsed.
The South Lodge of West Shandon House stands on the opposite side of the main A814 from the former school.
Both are near the Faslane Peace Camp.
The lodge had been occupied as a home until the MoD paid £180,000 for it in 2014 ‘to protect the building’ – since then it has been empty with no indication of what it might be used for.
A spokesperson said: “The MoD continues to appropriately manage and maintain both the former St Andrews School site and the Southern Lodge of West Shandon House. Plans for both sites are being considered as part of an extensive review of all naval base infrastructure and estates.”
“MoD carefully considers any impact that future infrastructure development might have on local communities and takes its safety, security and environmental responsibilities very seriously.”
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