The MoD (Ministry of Defence) says that two B listed buildings in Shandon are being ‘appropriately maintained’ – despite a large section of roof collapsing in one of them.
Also known as the former St Andrew’s School, Shandon House was bought by the MoD in December 1989 for £2.5m, the equivalent of £6.4m today – since then it has stood empty, while becoming increasingly derelict.
The South Lodge of West Shandon House stands on the opposite side of the main A814 from the former school and had been occupied as a home until the MoD paid £180,000 for it in 2014 ‘to protect the building’ – since then it has been empty with no indication of what it might be used for. Both are near the Faslane Peace Camp.
Councils have a legal duty to ensure listed buildings are maintained, but Argyll and Bute says the MoD has an exemption from the Building Scotland Act 2003, so enforcement cannot be carried out – though it is questionable whether the actual wording (below) applies to empty buildings which are not being used.
This week MSP Jackie Baillie, whose Dumbarton constituency includes Faslane, said: “It has now been recognised that there is a national shortage of affordable housing and that is being felt by councils both in Argyll & Bute and West Dunbartonshire.
“Both authorities had declared a housing emergency before the Scottish Government moved to officially recognise the position.
“It is frustrating to see any property, which could be brought back into use to provide a home, lying empty and I would urge the Ministry of Defence to work with local housing providers to make any surplus stock available.”
Shandon House featured frequently when MoD and council officials met behind closed doors, initially as an agenda item in its own right, with the MoD saying it was keen to dispose of the site but this ‘requires careful handling due to security sensitivities’.
Minutes show that in May 2017 a council planning official told the MoD the building should be made wind and watertight. Within three years part of the roof had collapsed.
A spokesperson said: “The MoD continues to appropriately manage and maintain both the former St Andrews School site and the Southern Lodge of West Shandon House. Plans for both sites are being considered as part of an extensive review of all naval base infrastructure and estates.”
“MoD carefully considers any impact that future infrastructure development might have on local communities and takes its safety, security and environmental responsibilities very seriously.”
