Historic site to be demolished

East Dunbartonshire Council granted permission for the demolition of the former Larkfield Resource Centre at a recent meeting of its planning board.

Muir Construction Ltd plan to tear down the building at Woodilee Road and erect  a new two-storey pub and  restaurant with car park at the rear.

At the meeting, the developers were also granted permission to build eight homes on the adjacent 2.5698 acres of land at Initiative Road and Woodilee Road.

Lenzie Community Council objected to both plans. There were 26 letters of objection to the new homes and 18 letters of objection to the demolition of the building.

No one supported the housing development plans but the council received 62 letters of support for the bar and restaurant.

In his report to the council, Depute Chief Executive, Place, Neighbourhood and Corporate Assets Thomas Glen said that the bar and restaurant development “seeks to retain some historical features to the new building at this important gateway site.”

Earlier this year, a group of Lenzie residents appealed to the council to place a preservation order on the Larkfield centre which dates back  to 1874 and was the gatehouse to the former Woodilee  Hospital.

The council, in conjunction with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde who own the building, put it up for sale, along with the adjacent land as part of a joint venture.

One resident told the  Herald: “This historic  building survived two World Wars.

“Somehow it didn’t get listed. I’ve spoken to Historic Scotland and they told me a way to protect it is to ask for the council to put a preservation order on it.

“Most people are delighted something is happening with the building but not that it is to be demolished.”

After Woodilee Hospital closed in the 70s, the Larkfield building became a health  centre until it was abandoned by the NHS 10 years ago.

Since then, the building’s condition has deteriorated.

A spokesperson for NHSGG&C said they had agreed with the council  they would sell the building as part of a joint venture with them.