Listed building alterations at Tower Guest House, Stornoway Isle Of Lewis

“Background 5.1 This Report relates to an application for Listed Building Consent, registered as valid on 31 March 2025, for both internal and external works to a listed building, as well as alterations to the rear curtilage boundary, and associated buildings at the Category C listed former Tower Guest House, 32 James Street, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis.”

“Description of development 5.3 This application seeks listed building consent for a comprehensive schedule of works, as follows: - Removal of non-original rear porch (retrospective). - Partial demolition of rear boundary wall. - Creation of carparking area in rear curtilage. - Alteration to ground levels and new retaining structure to side and rear of house. - Partial stopping up of existing door opening to create window opening in west elevation.”

“Description of site and its context 5.5 The application site extends to approximately 570sqm, encompassing the entire curtilage of the building at 32 James Street. The application site is located at a corner site where James Street meets Matheson Road.”

“The building is Category C Listed, reference LB41701, making it a building of local importance. The listing describes the property as dating from 1885, it is a crow-stepped villa on a street corner site, two-storeys with attic, a 3-bay L-plan frontage with crenelated entrance tower. The external façade is squared rubble and dressings, with painted detail, and at the time of listing contained some modern glazing and some original sash windows and a slate roof.”

“Some initial works have been undertaken without the benefit of Listed Building Consent. This includes the removal of the rear porch and works to an attic area where linings have been stripped out.”

“Detailed planning reference 08/00320/FUL – Paint cottage in rear garden in sandstone masonry paint – Permitted – 08 October 2008. Listed building consent reference 08/00319/LBC – Render boundary wall – Permitted – 08 October 2008.”

“It is considered that the proposed works provide an opportunity to adapt and return a long-term vacant building back into active use as advocated by Paragraph 6 of the Interim Document On The Principles of Listed Building Consent. The proposed works aim to prevent further deterioration, restore, and secure the longer-term future of the listed building. Being able to ensure a listed building is occupiable is a key requirement to ensure its viability.”

“While there will be some impact on the historic environment as a result of the development, this is assessed to be limited; the overall character is retained and details can be managed through conditions, as set out in Appendix 1 to this Report. As such the application for Listed Building Consent is recommended for approval.”

“Comhairle Archaeology Service 9.2 The Archaeology Service put forth comment noting a number of points, including: recommending that this boundary is retained, however if it is subject to modification it should aim to retain its current form and finish; parking area should aim to reinstate the revetted character of the former garden in a sympathetic manner; appreciated that the use of solar panels is beneficial in energy saving; however, the proposed placement on the front…”

“One representation was received in relation to the proposed development. A summary of the main issues raised within the representation is as follows. − raise concern regarding the removal of the boundary wall on Garden Road in its entirety, for the creation of a parking area, as this will reduce parking available on-street. − this wall is an integral part of the aesthetics of both this property and the overall Stornoway conservation area.”

“25/00046/LBC - Application for Listed Building Consent – Various external and internal alterations – Former Tower Guest House, 32 James Street, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis…”

“The Chief Planning Officer submitted a Report concerning a listed building consent application for a schedule of internal and external works at 32 James Street, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis. The Report indicated that the application was consider by the Appointed Officer to raise sensitive issues and was therefore referred to the Board for determination. The Report gave background information, a planning assessment and set out a reasoned conclusion on the application.”

“It was agreed to approve the listed building consent application subject to the conditions set out in Appendix 1 to the Report.”