Demolition of Wyndford tower blocks can go ahead, Court of Session judge rules

The demolition of four Glasgow tower blocks can go ahead following a ruling by the Court of Session.

The Wyndford Towers, near Maryhill, are set to be razed to the ground and replaced with 300 new homes under plans by Wheatley Group.

The housing association has been met with opposition from a small number of residents who believe the buildings should be retained and restored.

Campaigners launched a judicial challenge against Glasgow City Council over its decision to give permission for the demolition without an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

The Wyndford Residents Union asked the court to declare the council’s decision as unlawful and “irrational”, however, a Court of Session judge has now ruled that the assessment is not required for the proposal.

Lord Sandison concluded that “there are various instances in which a potential impact has been identified but where it appears that mitigatory or remedial measures may have contributed to the ultimate decision that no
significant adverse effect on the environment is likely.

“The mitigatory measures are in large part inherent parts of the development proposal, such as, for example, dust reduction measures, removal of asbestos pre-demolition, the installation of filters on manholes and traps with a view to preventing demolition materials being carried by surface water to the River Kelvin, and adherence to certain standards of working.”

All residents have been moved out of their homes in preparation for demolition which is due to be done by controlled explosion.

In place of the towers, nearly 400 new homes will be built with 85% of them being for social housing and 15% for mid-market rent.

The new homes will include a mix of one/two/three/four-bedroom houses and flats and will create a minimum of 900 bed spaces.

A Wheatley Homes Glasgow spokesperson said: “We note this verdict by the Court of Session which fully supports the earlier screening opinion taken by Glasgow City Council.

“The overwhelming majority of tenants are fully behind our plans to invest £100m in Wyndford and transform the community for the better, not only for the people who live there today, but for families and generations to come.”

Glasgow City Council has been contacted for comment.