Gourock Ropeworks (Hansard, 5 April 1995)

§ Sir Hector Monro

My right hon. Friend has had no recent discussions on this matter. However, as the question relates to matters undertaken by Historic Scotland, I have asked the agency's director and chief executive, Mr Graeme Munro, to write to the hon. Member.

The reply will appear in the Official Report and a copy deposited in the Library of the House.

Letter from Graeme Munro to Dr. Norman A. Godman, dated 5 April 1995: You tabled a Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for written answer on 5 April asking what recent discussions he has had about the Gourock Ropework building. The question relates to operational matters undertaken by Historic Scotland and I have been asked to reply. The terms of this letter will be reproduced in the Official Report and a copy of it will also be deposited in the Library of the House. Historic Scotland has recently had contacts both with Scottish Homes and Bellway Homes about the Ropeworks building. As you will be aware, a feasibility study prepared by the company last year concluded that both building and site were ideal for a scheme of conversion and re-development for residential accommodation. Given such positive conclusions it was right and proper that this avenue for putting together a scheme for the re-use of this listed building should be explored carefully and extensively. It is now clear, however, from discussions which I have had with Scottish Homes that a package of assistance to make the scheme viable cannot be put together. Government policy with regard to listed buildings is that no worthwhile building should be demolished unless it is demonstrated beyond reasonable doubt that every effort has been exerted by all concerned to find practical ways of keeping it. I am now satisfied that the concerted efforts to find a practical use for the building, encouraged by Historic Scotland, have fulfilled this policy commitment. The position concerning demolition is clear. In order to demolish a listed building such as the Gourock Ropeworks, listed building consent is needed. To date no application for such listed building consent has been received by Historic Scotland.