Demolition works planned at state-owned farm in Melrose

A planning application has been submitted to Scottish Borders Council by Historic Environment Scotland for work to be carried out at Priory Farm in Annay Road, an ancillary farm-steading which sits approximately 200m north of of Melrose Abbey.

Formerly part of the Scheduled Monument of Melrose Abbey, a number of the elements at Priory Farm are now listed as category B.

Concerns around the condition of the farm, which came into state care in 1958, led to a structural inspection being undertake in around 2007 and subsequent development of remedial proposals for the farm-stead followed, with a phased programme of repair planned.

The current condition of the farm-stead buildings, possible speed of deterioration and absence of an identified viable use make Priory Farm “vulnerable”.

The immediate priorities, which are the subject of the application, focus on both avoiding uncontrolled collapse and providing temporary protection for particularly vulnerable fabric.

The proposals include controlled demolition of derelict and an unstable lean-to forming part of south range and removal of an unstable and partially collapsed roof stable building of the south range.

A report submitted with the application says: “Material salvaged where possible during down-taking will be used for later re-use.

“New prefabricated timber roof trusses to the south range stable building will allow installation of a new temporary corrugated sheet roof to protect wall-heads and the stable interior.

“The demolition works will be carried out by a competent and suitably experienced contractor. They will be appointed once all works are agreed in principle by planning.”

A key consideration in planning the works is ecological constraints associated with protected species.

The buildings also support breeding birds, including swallow, house martins and pigeons and therefore the works will be planned to take place out-with the nesting season from March to August.