Elected Member Briefing - Vacant and Eyesore Property Taskforce Update

About this Briefing Note

Report by: Thomas Waterworth (Vacant Property Development Officer - Tourism, Culture and Place)

Date: 22 October 2024

Subject: Vacant and Eyesore Property Taskforce Update

Purpose

Details

To provide an update on the progress of the Vacant and Eyesore Property Taskforce as requested at the meeting of Perth and Kinross Council on 4 September 2024, and to highlight the future steps of the Taskforce in helping to reduce the number of properties on the Vacant and Eyesore list. 

Briefing Information 

Background 

The Vacant and Eyesore Property Taskforce was created to focus on targeted properties within settlement centres, or other prominent locations, across Perth and Kinross that are either empty or subject to significant physical impairment.  

This work complements that of the Council's Vacant Property Development Team and its associated activities. 

This Taskforce's work is facilitated through the preparation and agreement of the 'Vacant and Eyesore List' of properties which forms the basis for action. The contents of the list come from properties that are flagged by members of the Taskforce, Council Officers, Elected Members or members of the public and where intervention from the Taskforce is deemed necessary. 

The list is reviewed on an ongoing-basis and contains 51 buildings actively being considered, ranked in terms of priority. 

The group convenes quarterly for updates and to determine appropriate action for buildings. 

Representatives from services throughout the Council contribute to the group, including: 

• Economic Development 
• Property 
• Planning (covering Development Management, Conservation and Enforcement) 
• Environmental Health 
• Building Standards 
• Housing 

Additionally the Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust is also represented.  

Empty properties and those in disrepair do not present an area in its best light and as such can limit further investment. Placemaking is also negatively affected as empty properties disrupt the sense of community and vibrancy by creating gaps in the urban fabric. 

Moreover, empty properties adversely affect the amenity and perception of their neighbourhoods, often attracting problems such as anti-social behaviour, vermin, fly-tipping and fire-raising - all of which require the involvement and resource of various Council services together with Police and Fire Service. 

In addition, they are also the cause of regular complaints to the Council from members of the public, Elected Members, MPs/MSPs, Community Councils and the press, all of which require considerable officer time for response. 

Encouraging the re-use of empty properties or the repair of buildings suffering from neglect brings in more footfall for local businesses and adds to the vitality, amenity and civic pride of the area. All of this brings significant benefits to our local centres, including improved economic performance. 

Current Outcomes 

Vacant and Eyesore Properties Tracker 

Vacant and eyesore properties are monitored and assigned a rank to each property from 0 to 3 based on owner engagement and progress. 

The achievements of the Taskforce are best demonstrated through the quality of the outcomes achieved. These are both physical - improvements to the buildings, streetscapes and settlements - and the tangible social and economic benefits, through increased provision or improved quality of commercial and residential premises.  

Highlighted outcomes from the Taskforce's work to date 

177 South Street (Above Himalaya), Perth 

This property, in Perth city centre, was unoccupied for over 20 years. 

After establishing contact with the owner and helping to develop a long-term plan, the property has benefited from council support and investment to help overcome funding gaps. 

The property was awarded Vacant Property Feasibility Grant support which enabled the owner to obtain planning consent and a building warrant. The project has also had funding from Adapt Your Property, Empty Homes Loan Fund and Empty Homes Initiative Funding to progress works.  

The project is now nearing completion and expected to be ready for occupation in November, bringing a 2-bedroom city centre flat to the market at affordable rent.   

156 South Street, Perth 

This city centre property was last occupied 40 years ago, and the development adapts the first and second floors into 4 studio apartments.  

This property has benefited from Vacant Property Feasibility, Adapt Your Property and Empty Homes Initiative grant funding.  

The project is in the latter stages of development and expected to be completed December 2024. 

Y Centre, 19 Atholl Street & North William Street, Perth 

The property became vacant in 2009 after falling into disrepair. 

Cross-departmental collaboration within the Council meant that we could fully support the redevelopment of this site. This Consists of a social hub for young people as well as 7 flats providing affordable housing and emergency accommodation for young people exiting care. 

Currently members of Taskforce are conducting reports to seek funds for the final repairs to the external building fabric at 18 North William Street which would see this project fully complete, bringing further social benefits to young people in Perth. 

Strathcona, Spoutswell Road, Scone 

The Strathcona property has been an issue for a number of years, including being victim of vandalism and anti-social behaviour.  

Having received extensive complaints from the local community the Taskforce's efforts in contacting the owner were left ignored, and in 2023 the Council began the process of their first ever Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO). 

The CPO had successfully been approved by the Scottish Government in 2024 and the Council took title of the property and have begun the process of advertising Strathcona for sale on the open market - with the aim of bringing back into use this prominent family home. 

Millhaugh Sawmill, Bamff Road, Alyth 

The Millhaugh Sawmill shut in the 1980s following with collapse of the lumber industry and had sat derelict for almost 40 years. The Alyth Development Trust contacted the Council - expressing plans for a new community space on the site.  

The project has benefited from the Scottish Government's Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme (VDLIP) and Place Based Investment Programme (PBIP) grant funding, supported by the work of the Taskforce.  

The history of the site is important to the people of Alyth, and during the summer Phase 1 of the project was complete bringing a new use to the derelict sawmill as a community space for Alyth.  

Old Toll House, 2 West Bridge Street, Perth 

This prominent property has been vacant for over 20 years. 

Following complaints about the condition of the property the Vacant Property team reached out offering their advice and support on the future of Old Toll House. The property has received funding from Adapt Your Property as well as the professional support from all teams within the Taskforce.  

The completed project will see the property converted into an office at road level and 1 bed flat in 2 lower floors. 

McIntyres Corner, Perth 

The building has suffered from an historic lack of maintenance. As important entry point into Perth, the Taskforce has been interested in a solution being found to secure its future for several years. 

It is estimated that the works to bring the property into a good repair standard are almost £1.5m.  

Currently, Missing Shares, Perth City Heritage Trust and the Vacant Property Team have been supporting residents in the repairs, with £120,000 being set aside by the Perth City Heritage Fund for initial stonework to take place.  

Match funding is being sought on the basis of initial investment and there is potential that further funds can be obtained through Historic Environment Scotland.  Discussions are ongoing. 

Next steps 

The work of the Taskforce is and will continue to be ongoing, however, it is through the continuous collaborative approach within the group that the council's objectives for improved place making, cultural investment and sustainable economic development are effectively and directly achieved. The below provides an overview of the current priorities and next steps of the Taskforce. 

The Clachan and Quality Café, South Methven Street, Perth 

These dangerous buildings on a key city centre street were subsequently demolished by Building Standards in accordance with the Dangerous Building Act. There demolition was supported through the funding of the Place Based Investment Programme. 

Demolition works are now complete on site and charging orders are being organised on the title. These are expected to be in place soon. The Taskforce has highlighted the need for works to be carried out on the neighbouring gable end. 

Once the charging order has been completed, there is an opportunity for the council to take title of the sites. It is then that the opportunity will arise for the Taskforce to discuss potential uses for the site. Careful consideration of timing will be considered to avoid jeopardising charging order or negotiations. 

Royal Hotel, Allan Street, Blairgowrie 

This prominent property in Blairgowrie has recently been victim of anti-social and criminal activity. 

The Vacant Property Team have been engaging with the owners who state they will receive the keys back from the police and look to secure the property to prevent any further anti-social behaviour.  

The owner intends on converting the property into residential and will submit a change of use application in due course. The Taskforce will seek to how best support these plans moving forward. 

Loves, Canal Street, Perth 

Members of the Taskforce have held meetings between owners and architects which have shown positive outcomes regarding the future of this building. 

Initial discussions around the property have involved conversion to residential or a community/art space. 

Due to the size and rare architectural style for this area, the group are keen to best support this project and will monitor this development as it progresses.  

Former McEwens/Beales, St John Street, Perth 

This was the top-scored building within the Vacant and Eyesore List and with the tenants recently vacating the unit - it is again a priority for the Taskforce. 

Building Standards have advised of the degradation of the unit as the condition of it continues to worsen. 

Previous discussions were held around feasibility studies for future uses of the unit; therefore, it is key that the Taskforce continue to support the owners of this unit and help in bringing it back into use. Work is ongoing and future updates will demonstrate progress. 

Drummond Arms, High Street, Crieff 

This property has received significant investment from the council to assist in determining future uses for the site.  

Currently there is an extensive and thorough drone survey being undertaken on the building, however, as there is a conservation deficit the expectation is that Council will take ownership and subsequently demolish the building. 

The Taskforce will continue to monitor this project and support and advise on future uses of the site.  

Other properties 

For those properties with little to no engagement from owners the Taskforce will continue to explore every possibility and discretion we have available to us to ensure that we can continue to support the conservation, regeneration and placemaking of Perth and Kinross.