Plans to extend Dennistoun hostel which police have been called to 250 times withdrawn

Plans to extend a Dennistoun hostel have been withdrawn after neighbours raised fears over a potential rise in anti-social behaviour.

Objectors to a bid by the owners of the Tartan Lodge on Alexandra Parade to double the number of rooms said police have been called out over 250 times in just two years.

The hostel, which has billed itself as a ‘boutique’ option for budget travellers, is used as temporary homeless accommodation, residents say.

Around 50 people, including an MSP and local councillors, had urged Glasgow City Council to reject the proposal for 16 new rooms. Now, the council has updated its online planning portal to state the application has been withdrawn.

Politicians said they did not oppose the principle of providing temporary accommodation to vulnerable homeless people, but argued the specific site was unsuitable.

Glasgow MSP Paul Sweeney, Labour, said: “Everyone deserves the opportunity to rebuild their lives in a safe, dignified environment.

“However, this application concerns the suitability of this specific site expansion, the capability of the operator to manage it, and the architectural impact of the proposal.”

“The existing operation has generated an unacceptable level of distress for neighbouring residents, culminating in a staggering 258 call-outs to Police Scotland,” he added.

“Residents regularly endure shouting, disorder, aggressive behaviour, public drinking, suspected drug-related activity, and constant loitering at all hours.”

“The sheer volume of police interventions and the daily disruption faced by families and elderly residents conclusively prove that this site is currently neither safe nor pleasant.”

He also raised concerns about the proposed use of brick, rather than red sandstone, which would match the original building.

In his objection, Cllr Allan Casey, SNP, the city convener for homelessness, said residents report anti-social behaviour has had “a detrimental impact on the amenity of nearby homes”.

They have raised concerns over the “effectiveness of the site’s current management,” he said, and “questioned whether the proposal would intensify a use that has already generated longstanding concerns”.

Cllr Casey, who represents Dennistoun, added: “In their view, the cumulative impact of increasing activity as the site has the potential to further affect the character of the area.”

Cllr Elaine McDougall and Bailie Ann Jenkins, both Labour, also objected to the plan. Cllr McDougall said: “For several years, my office has received regular complaints regarding persistent anti-social behaviour associated with these premises.

“Families with young children and elderly residents have expressed concerns about their quality of life, their sense of security and their ability to peacefully enjoy their homes.”

The applicants, Galsey Enterprises, wanted to build a multi-storey extension to the existing hostel. The plan submitted on behalf of the firm stated the proposal “represents a logical and sustainable development on an existing urban site”.

Dennistoun Community Council said the extension to Tartan Lodge, a converted Victorian church and Masonic lodge, was “inappropriate in terms of scale, design, appearance and impact on the architectural and historical character of the existing building”.

It added neighbours and local businesses have “experienced and witnessed a range of issues with the current operation of the premises”.

“Given that these issues exist, we are concerned that increasing the capacity of the lodge through this proposed expansion would also increase the problems currently experienced by local residents and businesses.”