Hi there. I moved into Porty High Street last year and while I love my new place, the building I'm in is in desperate need of repair.
I've had a survey done by the Edinburgh Stair Partnership which confirmed the need for work (the chimneys in particular are in a dangerous state of near collapse - eek!). On the survey report, it says that because the building is in the Portobello Conservation Area, we may be eligible for Grant Aid.
Does any one have any experience of applying for Grant Aid? Obviously, it would be ace to get some help cash-wise, although I just want to get this done as quickly as possible so I can stop worrying. If the grant application takes ages, I might not bother, on the other hand, if it persuades my neighbours to get a move on and sign up to the ESP then I'm all for it.
Any tips at all on how to progress are hugely welcome - I really want to spruce the building up and most importantly make it safe for passers-by as soon as possible.
Grant Aid for building improvements?
Hi sconegrrl
The Conservation Area grant aid scheme is very useful BUT, from what you say, it might not be applicable to your situation.
From memory (it's a few years ago that I tapped into it to reinstate a traditional door), it's function is to reinstate original features that have gone missing (doors, sash windows, railings, etc.) rather than to repair.
Also, their funds get allocated fairly early in the financial year - so you would almost certainly have to wait until April.
The key contact is/was an Anna Grant at the Council - very helpful indeed.
Cheers, Jim.
The Conservation Area grant aid scheme is very useful BUT, from what you say, it might not be applicable to your situation.
From memory (it's a few years ago that I tapped into it to reinstate a traditional door), it's function is to reinstate original features that have gone missing (doors, sash windows, railings, etc.) rather than to repair.
Also, their funds get allocated fairly early in the financial year - so you would almost certainly have to wait until April.
The key contact is/was an Anna Grant at the Council - very helpful indeed.
Cheers, Jim.
There is another thread on PCA grants somewhere on POL, I cant recall any searches that might find it, anyone else?
I applied and got a PCA grant for replacing my front door, steps and some cope stones. The max grant in any one year is 3k (representing at minimum 50% of the project cost) but one can apply over several years.
Anna Grant is no longer the contact and I haven't got details anymore, sorry. There used to a much bigger grant scheme for stair/tenement repair but I don't know if that still exists ESP (a coincidence?) may be able to help.
I applied and got a PCA grant for replacing my front door, steps and some cope stones. The max grant in any one year is 3k (representing at minimum 50% of the project cost) but one can apply over several years.
Anna Grant is no longer the contact and I haven't got details anymore, sorry. There used to a much bigger grant scheme for stair/tenement repair but I don't know if that still exists ESP (a coincidence?) may be able to help.
I found it here http://porty.org.uk/forum/viewtopic.php ... ion+scheme
Thanks folks. I'll read that other thread now.
I've spoken to a few peeps at the Council this afternoon and have a number for someone in Conservation and Design. Sounds like the grant may be applicable for replacing some things to make the facade look like it did originally. Hmm I'll speak to this person at the council, but I suspect that the bulk will need to be paid for by us anyway, which is fair enough, but I got excited for a minute there!
I've spoken to a few peeps at the Council this afternoon and have a number for someone in Conservation and Design. Sounds like the grant may be applicable for replacing some things to make the facade look like it did originally. Hmm I'll speak to this person at the council, but I suspect that the bulk will need to be paid for by us anyway, which is fair enough, but I got excited for a minute there!
We got a grant about two years ago to remove the paint from the sandstone front of our building and have the whole thing repointed with lime mortar. We were given 50% of the total cost, however the application took a year to process and we had a lot of hassle with the Council about which companies we could use. It was worth it though and the Stonemason (A.B. Mearns) was brilliant.
Enough of your nonsense - get back to the Play Pen!
Just in case anyone is interested... apparently all the conservation grant money has gone for this year and most for next year is accounted for.
Ah well, sounded like it might be a bit of a lengthy process anyway, plus not entirely applicable to our situation, so I don't know why the Council surveyor suggested it. But there you go.
Ah well, sounded like it might be a bit of a lengthy process anyway, plus not entirely applicable to our situation, so I don't know why the Council surveyor suggested it. But there you go.