Council gives go-ahead for garage despite trees being chopped down without permission

A double garage for a new south side house got the go-ahead as the council takes action over trees being chopped down on the site without permission.

Glasgow City Council has launched enforcement action over the two missing trees on the plot at the corner of Queens Park Avenue and Crosshill Avenue, where work is underway to build a home.

Councillors approved the garage for two vehicles at a meeting this week, and they were also told about action being pursued over the disappearance of trees.

An official told this week’s planning local review committee that she understands a number of “trees were “removed” and that is the subject of an “ongoing enforcement complaint regarding the unauthorised removal of trees within a conservation area.”

Councillor Martha Wardrop replied: “They have gone ahead with the foundations without planning consent.”

In confirmation, the officer said: “Yes, that is the subject of the enforcement complaint.”

Supporting the bid for the garage, Councillor Eva Bolander said the design of the garage with the house is an “interesting architectural feature.”

She said it “had been well thought through” and highlighted the sedum roof.

Disagreeing, Councillor Paul Leinster said: “There is absolutely no doubt that the garage fits in well with the home that is currently being constructed. The whole thing is incongruous to the conservation area. I presume the home was consented to because of the interesting architectural features in it. It could not look any more out of place in that area.”

He said he would not support approving planning permission for the garage.

Councillor Jill Pidgeon was among those offering support, describing the garage as a “good addition to the space.”

Councillor Martha Wardrop said: “I don’t think we should be encouraging garages to be built on what was a garden site especially when trees are being removed. I’m very concerned for the trees on this street as a result of this development.”

She pointed out two trees were missing and expressed fears over the rest.

The planning application from Plan A Consultancy Ltd was granted permission at this week’s Planning Local Review Committee following an appeal subject to 13 conditions.

One condition is to ensure trees are protected in the future. Eight councillors voted to allow the garage while four wanted it knocked back.

The double garage bid was previously refused by the council for a range of reasons including that it was not in accordance with the development plan.

Glasgow City Council has a number of powers available as it pursues enforcement action over the loss of trees including a fine and a requirement to replant.