Last remaining Pitt Lane flats due to be demolished by late spring or early summer

SHETLAND Islands Council is expecting the demolition of eight flats in the lanes area of Lerwick to be completed by late spring or early summer next year.

The demolition, which has estimated to cost £400,000, has now been given planning permission.

The eight units are located on Pitt Lane in two blocks which are thought to have been built in 1979 with ‘Sullom blocks’ that deteriorate over time.

In its planning submission the council said, that given the current condition of these buildings, the flats have been deemed “beyond economic or practical refurbishment”.

“Removing these deteriorating structures not only addresses safety concerns but also supports the long-term regeneration strategy of the area,” it added.

Initial proposals for this regeneration has already gone in front of councillors as part of a Lerwick Lanes project, although no final decisions have yet been made.

Photo: Shetland News

Photo: Shetland News

The units earmarked for demolition are the only remaining flats in the area, with others on Pitt Lane and Park Lane taken down between 2012 and 2015.

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The planning application received representation from a home-owner who expressed concern about the proposal to dismantle and rebuild the retaining wall to 26/28 Pitt Lane and to dismantle 24A Pitt Lane’s west gable.

The respondent said he owns 26/28 Pitt Lane, and was particularly concerned about the demolition of 24A Pitt Lane – which is in “very close proximity” to his property.

“We are concerned that a demolition rather than a careful dismantling will cause substantial damage to our property,” he said in an objection to the planning application.

“Any damage to our property will be very disruptive and expensive to rectify. We will hold the SIC liable for re-instatement and damages.”

But the planning decision said an additional plan and demolition method statement was submitted by the council in response to the objection.

“It is considered that sufficient information has been provided to demonstrate that the demolition works can be carried out without adverse impact on neighbouring properties insofar as this relates to material planning considerations,” the planning service said.

Planning documents said after the demolition and clearance process, the sites will be restored to a “safe, stable condition”.

Large boulders will be “strategically placed” along the site perimeter to prevent unauthorised parking or abandonment of vehicles.

Existing pedestrian handrails that are affected by the demolition will be reinstated, either wall-mounted or floor-mounted, as “appropriate to their original context and to meet current standards for accessibility and safety”.

In addition, all street lighting affected by the works will be reinstated.

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