This guidance document has been prepared in response to the listed buildings status granted by Historic Environment Scotland (HES) earlier this year.

The concrete buildings were constructed as part of the city’s post-WWII housing programme and are considered by HES to be of significant architectural interest and outstanding examples of Brutalist architectural style in multi-storey housing.

The eight blocks are Gilcomstoun Land, Porthill Court, Seamount Court, shop units at 152-158 (even numbers) at the Gallowgate including the multi-storey car park at West North Street, Virginia Court, Marischal Court, Thistle Court, Hutcheon Court, and Greig Court.

Aberdeen City Council described the listing at the time as “simply ridiculous” and said the decision would hamper its efforts to modernise the buildings. Residents are also concerned the status will prevent them from making the simplest improvements to their homes.

Having sought legal advice for the possibility of a judicial review, the local authority has now lodged an appeal with the Scottish Government, giving ten reasons it believes the buildings should not have enhanced protection.

The guidance document, which was prepared by the city council’s planning service, is aimed at being able to answer some common questions that homeowners and other stakeholders may have regarding the need for listed building consent and/or planning permission for works to these multi-storey buildings.

A traffic light system has been used to show how proposed works to these listed buildings will be categorised (green, amber, or red). It is hoped the easy-to-use format will be useful for homeowners and other stakeholders and will ensure a consistent approach to decision making across affected blocks.

The public consultation is available here and runs until June 14. After the consultation, all comments will be summarised and reported back to a future meeting of the Planning Development Management Committee.