A-listed old garage to be converted into new home despite concerns in Glasgow

An A-listed old garage in Glasgow’s West End is to be converted into a new home despite concerns from the local community.

The building, which sits at the end of a row of terraced mews houses on Kirklee Terrace Lane, was developed around 1845 and was part of the former stables for the townhouses.

It is now situated in the Glasgow West conservation area.

As it stands there are three rows of terraced mews at the back of Kirklee Terrace, most of which have been converted to residential properties.

In a design statement submitted to the city council’s planning team, the developer has proposed that historic front and rear walls of the garage be maintained with an upper storey added to align with the roof height of 1 Kirklee Terrace Lane.

The extension will be finished with sandstone cladding and pedestrian access to the back of Kirklee Terrace onto the lane will remain unaffected.

During today’s planning committee meeting, the majority of councillors seemed impressed with the proposals while others raised concerns about how this would impact an A-list building.

Councillor Eva Bolandar said: “I find this an interesting proposal and there are no reasons for concern to be honest – I think they have done thorough work in forming this mews house.

“I find it quite acceptable to make a living space out of it and still retain the important features for the area.”

Councillor Paul Leinster added: “I think this is a sympathetic renovation and I think it fits in with the converted stables.

“Given our desperate need for housing in the city, converting disused stables and garages seems like a very sensible way of doing it especially in this area where there is a high demand for all types of housing.

“I have absolutely no reason at all to oppose this.”

But councillor Martha Wardrop was of the belief that the property be respected by the council and the developer.

The local authority also received 15 objections against the application including one from Friends of Glasgow West and 14 from neighbouring residents.

The main reasons for objections were the scale, design and location of the upper storey extension, the design of the proposed dormer windows, traffic and parking provision, lack of amenity space and the “damage of the historic fabric.”

Councillor Wardop said: “This isn’t just any old building but this is an A listed building in the Glasgow West Conservation Area and that should mean something to a developer and the planning department.

“It should be respected.

“For A listed buildings in conservation areas the conditions should be rigorous and the developer should be protecting the conservation area and the A listed building – we should make sure that happens.”

Following the debate, members agreed to grant the application. Listed building consent was also approved.