Alan Carr castle plan given boost by heritage officers
The plans are the first to be submitted since his purchase
Comedian Alan Carr has been given a boost in his plans for his Scottish castle after being praised for "rescuing a derelict historic building".
The Celebrity Traitors winner has been renovating Ayton Castle since he bought it for £3.25 million. But there were fears a scheme to change a former potting shed and buildings into a community cafe and estate shop could have hit the buffers over the potential of roosting bats. He has now received strong support from heritage officers at Scottish Borders Council who backed his proposal and described it as a "positive and practical" redevelopment.
The plans - the first to be submitted since his purchase - has seen the heritage and design team recommend approval of the project with conditions attached to the materials used. Another condition surrounds the photographic record to be gathered before dismantling work begins.
It said the proposed repair and reuse of the buildings was welcome and described the plans as an "appropriate use" for this part of the estate. They added it offered a "credible means of securing investment, continued occupation and future maintenance".
"The proposal would also allow visitors to appreciate the relationship between the potting sheds and walled garden," the response added.
"The intention to support the garden's longer-term restoration is welcomed, although the present applications should be assessed on the works and conservation benefits they would themselves deliver."
It concluded that the plans would - subject to appropriate conditions - "preserve the architectural and historic interest of the listed complex and the character of its designed landscape setting".
The council's archaeology officer has also come down in favour of the scheme. He added: "The proposed conversion would have a limited impact overall to the historic fabric of the building; indeed the rescue of a derelict historic building is to be welcomed."
The castle close to the English and Scottish border boasts 17 bedrooms, nine bathrooms, a five-storey Great Tower, turrets, a private chapel and 106-acre listed gardens.
Carr revealed previously he was ready to relocate permanently and his renovation is being filmed as part of a Disney+ documentary.. In response, Carr's representatives said a full survey was being carried out and a full report on the outcome will be submitted once it's complete.
A design and access statement from Lorn Macneal Architects Ltd, the agent working for Carr, said: "The buildings are B-Listed, are currently partially derelict and partially roofed but are recognised as being in an overall dilapidated state."
They added: "The cafe and estate shop are both initiatives that the client wishes to realise and the overall proposal is to form the cafe in the very eastern end and the shop adjacent.
"Ideally the cafe serves as a stopping point for dog walkers and estate ramblers but it is recognised that with no such facilities within the village of Ayton itself, there will ideally be a draw for local people to walk and cycle onto the estate to enjoy the nature and visit the cafe.
"It is also anticipated that when the railway is operational, the cafe and shop will form a natural addition to this attraction, creating a small destination for narrow gauge railway enthusiasts."
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