Listed building status will not be awarded to the Brunton Hall in Musselburgh.
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) responsible for classifying listed buildings believes that development plans are “too far advanced” to list the site.
The building is affected by reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) and has not been used – part of it since the pandemic and the rest in the last two years.
Following meetings involving local politicians from several parties there are plans proposed by East Lothian Council about the future of the town centre structure.
HES decision
HES say in their decision:
“Following detailed information received through our consultation. It is clear to us that in the terms of the policy:
“ELC proposes to demolish the building and has confirmed to us that no further
planning consent is required. This position has been agreed at full Council
meetings and is set out in the Council’s submission to us.
“We consider that the Council’s proposals for the building are ‘particularly advanced’
in the terms of our policy. Therefore, in line with our policy, we are not listing the
building at this time.”
The designation of the site would have a significant impact on the deliverability of the development proposals being considered by the council. Designation as a listed building would introduce a “clear policy presumption against the demolition of Brunton Hall”.
The current proposal, if carried out, would involve the demolition of the building and listed building status could prevent that happening.
HES say that they will reconsider listing the Hall if demolition or redevelopment does not go ahead.
They conducted a public consultation which attracted responses form more than 300 people.
Dara Parsons, Head of Designations at HES, said: “I’d like to thank everyone who took part in our consultation and gave their views on the building.
“When making decisions about designations, we consider the individual circumstances of each case. Because of the advanced development proposals for Brunton Hall, we decided not to proceed with listing at this time. Although we have decided not to list the site, we hope that our report setting out the special interest of the building will inform the decisions that are made about the site.”
Sarah Boyack, MSP for Lothian, said: “Musselburgh desperately needs a new theatre space.
“I am glad HES has recognised that listing the current theatre is not the best course of action.
“Listing would only have jeopardised the ability to get a fit for purpose, accessible theatre in Musselburgh.
“I look forward to working with stakeholders to try and achieve this goal.”
