Plans for 22-storey building with 700 flats beside River Clyde given go-ahead

More than 700 flats for rent are to be built beside the river on a brownfield site at Lancefield Quay in Glasgow with the development coloured partly “vibrant orange.”

Councillors approved the ‘build to rent’ neighbourhood, which will reach 22 storeys at its highest point, during a planning application committee meeting today.

There were 13 objections lodged against the plan with concerns expressed about loss of daylight and not enough parking. The meeting heard the homes would be seen from Kingston Bridge and the flats would be a “vibrant rust orange.”

A council official said the “colourful” scheme will “draw attention when seen from longer distances” with materials designed to last. However, one councillor said he wasn’t sure about the “orange” treatment, although he liked the green and brick treatments.

A representative from operator MODA described how the development will supply 709 urgently needed new homes and offer social value.

Explaining that the team runs similar housing in Holland Park and Vista Park in the city, he said when their new homes are released to the market, “they are rented immediately” in Glasgow.

Properties are advertised for monthly rent at £1,200 in Holland Park, but the representative said Lancefield Quay prices have not been confirmed yet. He said no deposits or service charges are taken, and rent includes 24/7 concierge, internet, gyms, and dining areas, among other offerings.

He said: “The local supply chain impact of Lancefield Quay measures over £250 million creating and safeguarding over 400 jobs through the construction process and creating 15 new apprenticeships and adding nearly £80 million to the economy.”

The planning application for the development lodged by applicant Tim McDonald also included proposals for 101 parking spaces and a new street.

A resident of Lancefield Quay Mr Walker told the committee he is worried about the loss of daylight in his home caused by overshadowing as well as a lack of sufficient play facilities for children.

He pointed out that the 22-storey part of the development would be 30 metres from his flat, and he would prefer to see the height reduced.

Councillors approved the planning application yesterday subject to conditions.

Councillor Imran Alam, Labour, said: “We have to build up unfortunately. It is the way the city centre is. We recently approved something much higher than this, and this is 22 storeys.

“There is no other way to build to combat the housing crisis in the city.”

He described being disappointed with the lack of consultation.

He said “everything is close by” and there are transport links but school places might be an issue potentially.

Expressing support, committee chair Ken Andrew, SNP, said he is not “quite sure about the orange treatment” as he said it jars with him slightly.

He added: “I like all the other treatments – the green and brick finishes etc.”

Councillor Andrew continued: “I have an element of sympathy with Mr Walker and the residents in Lancefield Quay. However I think given Lancefield Quay is south of the site and open to the river I think the level of daylighting and sunlight it gets is actually remarkable for a city centre location and quite a magnificent location it is by the river.”

He added that there would be a daylighting impact on Mr Walker’s property, but it would not be overly compromised. The site would be home to 37 studios, 405 one-bedroom flats, 262 two-bedroom flats and 31 three-bedroom flats, and the building will take place in two phases.

The height of the blocks would vary with levels including 22, 17, 11 and seven-storey elements.