Glasgow councillors approve Anniesland flats plan for job centre site

Plans to build 113 flats on a former job centre site in Anniesland — which received over 80 objections — have been given the go ahead.

Glasgow councillors have approved a bid to offer ‘build-to-rent’ homes on Herschell Street, after planners recommended the scheme should get the green light.

The developers behind the scheme, Calmont Ventures and Mactaggart & Mickel Anniesland LLP, said it had “significant potential to benefit from and contribute to this thriving high street and residential neighbourhood”.

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But there were 82 objections as neighbours believe the number of car parking spaces (38) is “grossly inadequate”. Eight letters of support were provided.

Council planners described the proposal as a “major opportunity” to redevelop “long-standing vacant brownfield” land.

Objectors’ concerns also included traffic, accessibility at Anniesland train station and the size and scale of the development. One said the parking provision is “clearly grossly inadequate” and would be “to the detriment of the local community”.

Another resident said there has been a “long term issue with poor accessibility to Anniesland station”, with platform two only accessible via steps. Council officials said a plan to erect two lift towers at Anniesland station has been approved and is due to be completed this autumn.

They added it is “acknowledged that the proposal does not meet the level of car parking provision required by policy”, but “an exception to policy requirements can be made in a highly accessible town centre location”.

There will be 36 parking spaces for the flats and two for Car Club vehicles, which are available to hire.

Cllr Paul Leinster, SNP, said it is a “good location” and “bringing some life back into it is definitely a good thing”. He added: “It’s a good replacement for what was there, which was obviously an eyesore.”

Cllr Imran Alam, Labour, said: “The site is very close to public transport, and I think it falls in line with the council’s plans to create these liveable neighbourhoods.”

Cllr Sean Ferguson, SNP, said the plan used an “urban brownfield site” which is a “positive thing” and was “clearly well connected” due to its proximity to Anniesland train station.

He said the lack of parking was “somewhat of a concern” but the development would be “so close to major transport sources”.

A four-storey 1970s office building, used as the job centre, was demolished in 2021. The developers can now build two seven-storey blocks, with 67 one-bedroom and 46 two-bedroom properties.

There was previously planning permission to turn the old offices into 48 flats.

Communal outdoor space is planned at ground level as well as roof terraces. Inside, there would be a co-working space and a gym.

Initially, 123 flats had been proposed but this was reduced to 113 to “increase the amount of amenity space”. The developers will have to pay just over £95,000 due to a lack of space for children’s play, outdoor sport or allotments on site.

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