A HISTORIC bowling club pavilion has been saved from the dozer’s blade.

Now the community is urging the company behind plans to develop at the site of Whitecraigs Bowling Club to withdraw its plans entirely.

Just before Christmas, Broom Estate residents received the welcome news that the threat of demolition hanging over the pavilion of Whitecraigs Bowling Club has been lifted, at least temporarily.

Following a strong campaign by residents, supported by Kirsten Oswald MP, who organised a public meeting to discuss the issue, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) objected to demolition on the grounds that the 1930’s pavilion, which it describes as a ‘quirky’ combination of arts and crafts design and Art Deco detailing, makes a positive contribution to the character of the area.

The demolition threat came from a proposal to sell the bowling club site to property developer, McCarthy and Stone.

HES also objected because options for retaining the pavilion and converting it to a new use have not been explored, and that the proposed development of three-storey housing, would not preserve or enhance the character of the conservation area, which consists of one and two-storey buildings.

Kirsten Oswald said: “Congratulations are due to the residents who have fought very hard to prevent the demolition of this iconic structure, and the loss of the open space at the entrance to this estate.

“While the decision to withdraw the applications is welcome, it is shameful that it took nearly six months for the developer to consider what was a very clear statement by HES.

“McCarthy and Stone’s decision to maintain uncertainty over the future of the building should be reversed as soon as possible.”

Already, the community faces a summer with no use of the Bowling Club, and an important building lying unused and vulnerable to deterioration, or deliberate damage.

“I have written to McCarthy and Stone asking them to do the right thing and withdraw their current interest in this site to allow a genuine effort to be made to retain the pavilion and its environs for the enjoyment of local residents and the wider community.”

On December 21, agents for McCarthy and Stone wrote to the council withdrawing McCarthy and Stone’s applications but indicated the developer intended to submit a revised scheme this year.