Bluewater (Glenrothes 2) Ltd has received conditional approval for Conservation Area Consent to demolish Woodside, located at 105 Henderson Street. The site is part of a separate application proposing the construction of two villas comprising 14 residential apartments.

In their ruling, council planners cited the villa’s poor state, noting: “The building currently has a Dangerous Building Notice and is in severe disrepair, with sections of the roof and first floor having collapsed.”

The site, situated in the Bridge of Allan Conservation Area, features mature trees at the rear and is currently overgrown, enclosed by temporary fencing. A Structural Appraisal submitted with the application detailed the villa’s extensive structural issues, including:

• Collapsed stone chimneys on both the east and west gables, leading to cracking and missing wall sections.
• Significant cracking on the gable and front elevations.
• Portions of the roof entirely missing or lacking finishes and sarking.
• A missing first floor in the west section of the building.
• Localised collapses and damage to masonry walls.

Historic Environment Scotland acknowledged the villa’s dire condition, stating: “The house has suffered significant structural damage and has been on the Buildings at Risk Register for 30 years, with a Dangerous Building Notice in place. Given the extent of deterioration, repair at a reasonable cost is unlikely, and we accept the justification for its demolition.”

The council noted that, although the villa dates back to the Victorian era, it is neither listed nor considered to have significant architectural merit. Given its current state, they concluded that it does not contribute positively to the character of the Conservation Area.

Planners further stated: “The demolition of the building will not negatively impact the special character of the Conservation Area. Retaining it in its current condition would fail to preserve the area’s historic integrity, and restoring it would not be financially viable.”

Approval for the site’s redevelopment was reinforced by the Planning Panel’s decision to approve the replacement development, subject to the successful conclusion of a Section 75 Legal Agreement. With this agreement now finalised, the demolition and subsequent redevelopment can proceed.