Mavisbank access drive approved after 40 landlocked years
The project to save Mavisbank took a great leap forward this week as Midlothian Council approved the Landmark Trust’s planning application for a new access drive, rescuing the house from 40 years’ isolation.
A major obstacle to saving William Adam’s Category A masterpiece – the most important building at risk in the UK – had been the lack of access following the sale of the original drives in the mid to late 20th century. The building was left landlocked and, without a known owner, this made repairs almost impossible. Previous attempts to identify and gain consent for an access route have all failed.
At the Planning Committee on 28 April, following a site visit, Midlothian Councillors voted by a two-thirds majority to approve the application for a new drive. The route though the historic landscape was developed by local consultation and follows a long section of the historic east drive, allowing glimpses of Mavisbank along its course. Extensive ecology and tree survey work was undertaken to identify a route which removes no veteran trees and minimises impacts on flora and fauna. Following advice from statutory consultees, the planning officer had recommended the proposal for approval.
The rescue of the ruinous house can now proceed
With Planning Consent for the drive secured, and planning and listed building consent for repairs to the house already in place, the Compulsory Purchase of Mavisbank can now proceed. This will enable the Landmark Trust to stabilise and repair the ruinous house, supported by a grant from the National Heritage Memorial Fund and further grants and philanthropic donations.
Dr Anna Keay OBE, Director of the Landmark Trust says:
'We are absolutely thrilled to have secured planning permission for a new drive to Mavisbank. For forty years the lack of access to the house has been a major impediment to any rescue project. Now, at long last, a solution has been found. We at Landmark are deeply grateful to all those who have worked with us to identify and enable this route.'
