Bequest could be lost in fight for ‘a weed’

Aug 7 2009 by Les Stewart, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

Bequest could be lost in fight for ‘a weed’

A SYCAMORE tree, at the centre of a bitter row at a Perth sheltered housing complex, was branded a “weed” yesterday.

And if it can’t be felled to make way for another two cottages on the site, Bowerswell Memorial Homes will miss out on a substantial cash bequest.

The management committee at the home, the Perth City memorial to the fallen of World War Two, want the go-ahead from the council to erect the houses on a gap site in the grounds.

But more than 40 residents, some war veterans and many now in advancing years, are staging a rearguard action to halt the plans.

Resident James Mansel, in a letter to the council, has accused the home’s management committee of “committing a distasteful act of desecration” in submitting the planning bid.

Bowerswell House is a Category B listed building and the 20 cottages and 21 flats in its grounds lie within the Kinnoull Conservation Area.

Gordon Dow, chairman of the management committee, explained yesterday that the home is a “unique memorial” set up by subscriptions from the citizens of Perth to provide homes for the elderly – but not purely war veterans.

He added: “The complex, which has been funded mainly by rents but has been supported over the years by various trusts and charitable organisations, was fortunate to receive a large bequest in a supporting will.

“The terms of this will are quite clear: that the money was to be used for the building of two further cottages within the grounds of Bowerswell.

“No other use can be made of the money and, if not used for this purpose, passes to another charitable organisation.

“A considerable time has now passed and if planning permission is refused, then the money will be lost to Bowerswell and will be two houses less available for rent in Perth city.

“The income stream of Bowerswell will also be lessened.”

The management committee had identified possible sites for the cottages but two were objected to by Historic Scotland due to their proximity to Bowerswell House. That left only one option – the gap site now before the planners.

Mr Dow added: “Objections to this site centre around a sycamore tree which would have to be felled. This tree is not mature and was, in all probability, self-seeded.

“It was not, as has been stated, planted as the centre-piece of the estate by Sir John Ure Primrose at the opening of Bowerswell House.

“As this tree reaches maturity, it will have to be felled as a matter of course as it will interfere with the adjoining cottages.

“Sycamore trees are now considered weeds – to such an extent that the Kinnoull Hill users are organising a sycamore weeding out day.”

The application is expected to go before planners next month.