Historic Building Intervention Programme

The Historic Building Intervention Programme has been set up to help and advise property owners of traditional buildings within the Outstanding Conservation Area of Banff.

Within Banff, a wide variety of buildings dating from the 16th to the 20th centuries can be seen, reflecting the historic character of the town. Many of these properties are in multiple ownership, vary greatly in height, are of mixed use, and some are vacant. Properties in the centre of town are fronted on to either narrow pavements or busy roads.

These factors combined make it difficult for property owners to prevent deterioration of their buildings through simple tasks like removing vegetation from stonework or clearing out gutters. Without proper maintenance, damp and decay caused by blocked, sagging and damaged gutters can lead to expensive repair bills and the loss of historic fabric.

The Historic Buildings Intervention Programme proposes in its first year to undertake the removal and spraying of vegetation from stonework and roofs, along with cleaning out of gutters, as a means of reducing the deterioration of buildings. A pilot scheme has been set up to assess the feasibility and take-up of the Programme, on a trial area consisting of Low Street, High Street, Straight Path and Back Path. The work will be done to the front and rear of properties, where accessible, by a qualified contractor. In 2010, the work will be carried out over a two week period starting on Monday the 16th August. This will minimise disturbance to the seagull population, but at the same time maximise the impact on vegetation by removing and spraying within the growing season.

The work will be offered free of charge during the first year pilot scheme. On the basis that it is more economical to undertake the work on a large scale the aim would be that in future the work will be financed by the property owners and be carried out at least once a year. It is hoped that following on from the pilot scheme, the Historic Building Intervention Programme would continue to operate with the support of the Banff and MacDuff Community Trust in association with the Banff Preservation & Heritage Society.

The main objectives of the programme

• To help prevent further decline of the historic building stock within Banff
• To raise awareness of the historic built environment of Banff
• To educate and advise property owners about the maintenance of their historic property
• To improve the appearance of Banff town centre, making it more appealing to locals and visitors alike
• To set up and finance a programme of intervention works, to become self-financing in future through property owner contributions

If you live within the pilot scheme area (Low Street, High Street, Straight Path and Back Path –see the area map (111kb) ) and would like to participate in the Historic Buildings Intervention Programme, you can download an application form(73kb).

Alternatively, for more information please contact the Banff Renaissance Project Office direct on 01261813291 or 0126 813532.