Aristocrat loses bid to stop house developer

ONE of Scotland’s longest-running planning disputes over the “desecration” of an ancient graveyard has ended in defeat for a Scottish aristocratic family.

For the past 20 years, Lady Tanya Lowson, whose family seat of Bandirran is close to the historic graveyard at Kinfauns Church in Perthshire, has backed local villagers in their campaign of opposition to prevent the C-listed Victorian building being converted into a luxury home.

The plan has been rejected five times on the grounds that the change of use would be incompatible with the local graveyard which is still in use for burials.

But Scottish Government planning reporter Mike Culshaw has now ruled in favour of Perth-based developer Newhouse Developments. Mr Culshaw states in his report that the conversion of the church into a family home would help preserve the “special architectural and historic interest” of the building, sited near Kinfauns Old Church which is a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

He added: “I completely disagree with those local residents and objectors who have expressed a preference for it to fall into ruin like its older neighbour.

“The building was sold by the Church of Scotland in 1989 and although its graveyard remains in use, in my view the council’s officers were correct to seek to agree an alternative use with a view to securing its preservation.

“Although the exterior of the church appears in relatively good condition the interior shows signs of damage from damp, as well as indications of measures taken by the appellant to prevent further deterioration.

“As the Scottish Historic Environment Policy recognises, the preservation of this prominent listed building, an important part of Kinfauns, is a vital consideration.”