About Us

Recently closed consultations

Consultation results are set out in our closed consultation reports.

  1. Overview
  2. Listing of Aberdeen multi-storey flats
  3. Revised guidance on local landscape designations
  4. Climate Change and Environmental Action Plan 2019-24

1 Overview

Our consultation periods last between four to eight weeks. The consultations are open to the public for comment during this time.

After closing, all feedback from the consultation period is reviewed and compiled in a consultation report.

View closed consultations after April 2020.

Visit our publications section for closed consultation reports from before April 2020.

2 Listing of Aberdeen multi-storey flats

We asked for your views on our proposal that eight multi-storey blocks of flats in Aberdeen city centre become listed buildings. Dating from the 1950s to the 1970s, they include:

  • Gilcomstoun Land
  • Porthill Court
  • Seamount Court
  • Marischal Court
  • Virginia Court
  • Thistle Court
  • Hutcheon Court
  • Greig Court

After consultation, we have listed these multi-storey tower blocks at Category A.

Download the Designation Report of Handling

Find out more in our news article

About the flats

After the Second World War, Aberdonians needed modern and healthy homes. One of the solutions was to create redevelopment areas in the city centre which provided a new way of living with all the modern conveniences that we take for granted today, like hot water, bathrooms and parking.

It's very rare for buildings of this type to become listed buildings – only three other multi-storey blocks of flats in Scotland of this date are listed. The flats in Aberdeen join this elite group of outstanding examples of large-scale housing developments.

While they are architecturally interesting in their use of granite and concrete and in their design, they also tell us much about Scotland’s ambitions as a nation in the second half of the last century. Public housing is a hugely important part of our story and one which hasn’t always had the recognition through listing which it deserves. The flats themselves are also now distinctive landmarks in their own right – rising up to 19 storeys at their highest and providing a focal point for views in the city.

About listing

Listing gives legal protection for buildings of special architectural or historic interest as set out in the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997.

To be listed a building must meet the criteria of ‘special architectural or historic interest’ as set out in the 1997 Act.

About the consultation

Historic Environment Scotland sought views on the special interest for listing of eight multi-storey blocks of flats in Aberdeen’s city centre from October 2019 to January 2020. We found that the multi-storey blocks proposed for listing are of outstanding importance for their special architectural and historic interest. The report of handling which explains the reasons for listing was sent to residents and other interested parties in October 2019. Download the Designation Report of Handling.

Find out how we assess buildings for listing in our Designation Policy and Selection Guidance.

You said

There were 65 responses received in total and most people agreed or had no opinion either way that the multi-storey blocks were of special architectural and historic interest. A building’s special architectural or historic interest is the only thing we consider when deciding to list a building. There was no overall objection to the listing on these grounds.

The main concerns raised related to the future repair and maintenance of the buildings and how the council would manage them if they were listed.

Aberdeen City Council officials were mostly concerned that listing placed a burden on the local authority and tenants in terms of finance, maintenance and future flexibility around delivering affordable housing at an appropriate quality.

Download the report summarising the consultation

Download the consultation responses from Aberdeen City Council and Historic Environment Scotland’s replies:

We did

We have considered the responses from stakeholders and sought further feedback from elected members of Aberdeen City Council. As the concerns raised were not material to the decision to list, we have proceeded with the listing.

View the decision on our portal associated to these cases

We have supported the planning authority to produce guidance for residents about listed building consent which is currently being drafted by Aberdeen City Council. We are also keen to work with the Council to carry out energy efficiency research into the flats to help ensure that they remain fit for purpose.

Further information and contact

Aberdeen City Council planning authority decide if listed building consent is required to make a change to a listed building. The types of changes which may require consent are those that might affect the external appearance of or major structural changes to the buildings to the building. Replacing a kitchen or a bathroom will not normally require consent. To find out if you need listed building consent contact:

Aberdeen City Council, Strategic Place Planning
Tel: 01224 523 470 / www.aberdeencity.gov.uk

Listing does not affect routine repairs and maintenance and does not add an additional requirement on owners to maintain their buildings. As before, the housing team at Aberdeen City Council both as joint-owners and as landlord are responsible for managing the programme of repair and maintenance of the multis. To request a repair contact:

Aberdeen City Council, Housing
Tel: 03000 200 292 / www.aberdeencity.gov.uk

Historic Environment Scotland provides advice and expert knowledge on the historic environment. We are consulted by local authorities on listed building consent for category A-listed buildings. We also give specialist advice on the conservation of historic sites and places. Our booklet, Scotland’s Listed Buildings explains our role in more detail.

Historic Environment Scotland, Heritage
Tel: 0131 668 8716 / hmenquiries@hes.scot

3 Revised guidance on local landscape designations

Historic Environment Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage invited comments on revised guidance on Local Landscape Areas (LLAs).

LLAs are scenic areas of high local value. Local authorities often give these landscapes a designation to protect them from damage and inappropriate development.

The revised guidance aims to help Planning Authorities identify or review their local landscape designation, and maximise their benefits. Councils use the guidance when preparing local development plans to ensure special qualities are safeguarded and enjoyed by the community. The planning tool can also help communities identify and celebrate landscapes which are especially valued locally.

Your feedback

Thank you for giving your feedback on the revised guidance.

This consultation closed on 3 March 2017 and the consultation report is being prepared.

For further details, contact LLA@snh.gov.uk.

4 Climate Change and Environmental Action Plan 2019-24

We asked for your views on our draft Climate Change and Environmental Action Plan (CCEAP) 2019-24.

The document sets out how we aim to address the challenges and opportunities presented by climate change to our organisation and to the wider historic environment. It also outlines how we'll continue to support Scottish Government to meet its ambitious carbon reduction targets.

Your feedback

Thank you for giving your feedback on the CCEAP.

This consultation closed on Wednesday 19 June 2019 and the consultation report is being prepared.

If you would like to speak with us about this consultation or if you have any questions, please contact us:

Share