Glasgow dentists can become short stay accommodation despite 'party flat' concerns

A former dentists in Cessnock can be turned into Airbnb-style accommodation despite fears it could be used as a “party flat”.

Objectors raised concerns over disruption for residents, while some councillors were worried about possible anti-social behaviour from football fans.

Glasgow’s planning committee chairman Ken Andrew’s casting vote approved the conversion of the Paisley Road West property, after members were divided.

The applicant, Borland Invest Ltd, intends to use the former dental surgery at 286 Paisley Road West as “serviced accommodation”, with four bedrooms, a kitchen and living room.

Planning officials recommended the proposal could be approved but six objections were received, including from Ibrox and Cessnock Community Council and from Cllr Ricky Bell.

They have concerns over the impact on parking and bins, potential noise and disruption and the need for housing in the area.

Cllr Bell’s objection stated the planned use will “bring a large turnover of strangers into the building potentially arriving at all hours of the day and night”.

It could potentially be “used as a party flat which would be very disruptive to the other residents in this tenement block”, he added.

He also said there is a “lack of suitable family houses in this area”.

However, planning officials reported the development was “not considered to have a detrimental impact” on local services, such as bins, or the “amenity of surrounding residents” as it has “its own separate access”.

“Any anti-social behaviour would be a matter for Police Scotland,” they added.

At the planning meeting, Cllr Imran Alam, Labour said he had “reservations” as there have previously been “problems” with Airbnbs in the area.

He added a lot of football fans use these short-term lets and, while it is a “small minority”, there are “very well documented the issues with anti-social behaviour post and pre-match”.

Bailie Elaine Gallagher, Greens, also had “reservations about the potential for nuisance” and said it is “quite clearly a property that could be a long-term let for a sizeable family”.

However, Bailie Thomas Kerr, Conservative, said the plan “looks like quite an exciting prospect”. He said he understood Cllr Alam’s concerns as his own ward is “very close to Celtic Park and we have similar issues as well”.

“But there’s always the flip side of these games bring loads of people to a local area and support local businesses as well,” he added.

Cllr Paul Leinster, SNP, said he sympathised with those who would prefer a permanent home to be provided, but “quite often these are being used for people who are here for work”.

He added: “Ultimately these people need somewhere to stay as well, the fact that this is a disused commercial premises that is being turned into a serviced apartment, I think I’d probably be inclined to support it.”

Councillors were split over whether to approve the application, with six votes for and against. Cllr Ken Andrew, SNP, got the deciding vote as chairman of the committee and approved the plan.

He said he was happy to grant due to a condition which ensures the use “shall only operate for a period not exceeding two years” to allow the council to “assess whether the business is operating successfully within this residential context”.

Cllr Andrew added any anti-social behaviour issues would be “a licensing matter and potentially a police matter”.