Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (Cars) Project 15-19 Argyll Street, Lochgilphead
Argyll and Bute Council · 20 February 2025
Back to Policy and Resources Committee — 20 February 2025 and its agenda
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL POLICY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH 20 FEBRUARY 2025 CONSERVATION AREA REGENERATION SCHEME (CARS) PROJECT 15-19 ARGYLL STREET, LOCHGILPHEAD 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1 The Lochgilphead Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) is a grant programme focussing on the regeneration of historical buildings as well as traditional skills training and community engagement. Lochgilphead CARS is jointly funded by Historic Environment Scotland and Argyll and Bute Council together with contributions from building owners. 1.2 Following a robust assessment, 15-19 Argyll Street has been selected as the final priority building for Lochgilphead CARS and was awarded CARS Grant by Area Committee on the 4th December 2024. The external fabric of the building requires attention to address water penetration issues. The proposed communal repair works and maintenance plan will safeguard the building for the next sixty years. 1.3 Following a competitive tender process, the total project costs exceeded the identified project budget. However, by removing non-essential items from the works, the budget shortfall has been reduced to £21,220. 1.4 Accordingly, this report seeks approval to award an additional PSHG grant of £21,220, to help bridge the budget shortfall. This award would fully utilise the remaining balance from the original £186,220 PSHG allocated to Lochgilphead CARS, by the Policy and Resources Committee on 13th December 2018, and approved by Full Council on 21st February 2019. 1.5 RECOMMENDATIONS Members approve utilisation of the £21,220 balance of Private Sector Housing Grant (PSHG) allocated to the Lochgilphead CARS projects by Full Council on 21st February 2019 to bridge the funding shortfall at the 15-19 Argyll Street Lochgilphead CARS project.
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL POLICY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH 20 FEBRUARY 2025 CONSERVATION AREA REGENERATION SCHEME (CARS) PROJECT - 15-19 ARGYLL STREET, LOCHGILPHEAD 2.0 INTRODUCTION 2.1 This report seeks approval to award an additional £21,220 Private Sector Housing Grant (PSHG) to help meet the funding shortfall at 15-19 Argyll Street, Lochgilphead which is the final priority building in the CARS project. 3.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 3.1 Members approve utilisation of the £21, 220 balance of Private Sector Housing Grant (PSHG) allocated to the Lochgilphead CARS projects by Full Council on 21st February 2019 to bridge the funding shortfall at the 15-19 Argyll Street Lochgilphead CARS project. 4.0 DETAIL 4.1 15-19 Argyll Street, Lochgilphead is comprised of a single storey and attic of residential accommodation providing two flats over a fully commercial ground floor that contains a Butcher / Greengrocer business. The business supports seven jobs and provides a valuable contribution to the community. 4.2 The general fabric of the building is in very poor condition and is suffering from water penetration issues. Photographs are included at Appendix 1. There is damp ingress in the top floor flat. This is having a negative impact on the occupiers quality of life and the building is detracting from the townscape and character of the Lochgilphead conservation area. 4.3 The scope of works for the project includes slated roof works, leadwork, chimney repairs, stonework and cast-iron goods restoration. 4.4 Lochgilphead CARS and Housing Services staff have been working with the owners of this property since early 2022. The owners formed an Owners
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Association and commissioned a Design Team to carry out a Tenement Condition Survey and to produce a Tenement Condition Report. 4.5 In June 2024 the Association appointed a Design Team to progress with the full design and development of the repair project. A tender costs for the works was established, however these were in excess of the already identified funds of which were: • PSHG Grant in accordance with the Scheme of Assistance £22.2k • CARS Grant of £166.46k • Owners contribution £20k. Subsequently cost savings have been identified to remove all non-essential elements, and that has reduced the funding gap to £21,220. 4.6 To bridge the shortfall and to ensure that the necessary repairs to 15-19 Argyll Street are carried out, it is proposed that an additional PSHG grant of £21,220 is allocated towards the project. This additional funding represents the remaining balance of the original PSHG allocation to Lochgilphead CARS, as referred by the Policy and Resources Committee on the 13th December 2018 and approved by Full Council on 21st February 2019. 4.7 If approved, it is proposed that work can start at 15-19 Argyll Street in March 2025. 5.0 CONCLUSION 5.1 The additional funds proposed would safeguard the fabric of one historic building, ensuring the continued use of 1 commercial and 2 residential units. As such they represent an appropriate and important use of the remaining PSHG allocation to Lochgilphead. 6.0 IMPLICATIONS 6.1 Policy – The Outcome Improvement Plan, Economic Strategy and Local Development Plan support town centre regeneration and a diverse and thriving economy. 6.2 Financial – The proposed use of PSHG grant funding falls within the criteria for use of PSHG and will appropriately utilise capital budget which will otherwise remain unspent in this financial year. 6.3 Legal – Third party grant contracts will be issued to the private building owners. 6.4 HR - A dedicated project officer is in post for the duration of the Lochgilphead CARS project. Staff salaries are included in the project budget. 6.5 Fairer Scotland Duty - 6.5.1 Equalities - protected characteristics – None.
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6.5.2 Socio-economic Duty – None. 6.5.3 Islands – None. 6.6 Climate Change - Extremes of weather caused by climate change will continue to put buildings under pressure. These projects help property owners undertake large scale building repair projects under the supervision of conservation accredited architects which ensures they are future proofed against climate change, using traditional building materials. 6.7 Risk – That grant schemes are oversubscribed or that projects run over time or budget. These risks will be carefully monitored and mitigation measures introduced on a case-by-case basis. 6.8 Customer Service – The council is responsible for administering the CARS grants on behalf of HES and for ensuring due diligence in the performance of its duties. 6.9 The Rights of the Child (UNCRC) – none. Kirsty Flanagan Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth Fergus Murray, Head of Development and Economic Growth Councillor Jim Lynch, Policy Lead for Economic Development, Islands and Rural Communities, Housing 6th January 2025 For further information contact: James Lafferty: Lochgilphead CARS Project Officer james.lafferty@argyll-bute.gov.uk Flora Lamont: Team Lead – Housing Operations flora.lamont@argyll-bute.gov.uk APPENDICES Appendix 1: Photographs of 15-19 Argyll Street
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Appendix 1: Photographs of 15-19 Argyll Street