Six-storey student flats in Glasgow's West End set for approval

The University of Glasgow’s plans to build student flats near Ashton Lane are recommended for approval tomorrow, despite over 180 objections.

Planners at Glasgow City Council say an application to provide 291 beds across two blocks at Lilybank Gardens can be given the go ahead.

They would be built on the Lilybank car park, which residents claim offers “much needed” spaces. Councillors are expected to make a decision on the scheme at a hearing on Tuesday.

One of the objections has been submitted by local MP Martin Rhodes, Labour. His letter states that “further intensification in this area risks potentially undermining the residential balance and long-term sustainability of the Hillhead community”.

The flats would be built on the Lilybank car park. LDRS

He adds: “I am further advised that the development would result in the permanent loss of the Lilybank car park, which currently serves residents, visitors, and university staff.

“No alternative long-term parking provision has been proposed.”

Friends of Glasgow West Conservation Area raised concerns over the loss of trees and more than 100 parking spaces. “This much needed, and much used, parking facility particularly benefits businesses in Byres Road and its Lanes,” it said.

Lilybank car park has 106 marked bays, while there are 59 on-street car parking spaces surrounding it.

A council report states the development “will have seven floor levels in total although, due to a combination of ground levels and building height, it will not be any higher than six storeys”.

There are plans for ground floor commercial space and a “new pedestrian link and public realm route between Ashton Lane and Lilybank Gardens”.

Planning officials say the site is “an unattractive brownfield car park site in the heart of the Glasgow West conservation area”.

“The proposed development represents a significant opportunity to repair a portion of the urban block that offers little to the local environment,” their report adds.

“The proposed commercial units will contribute to the ongoing success of Ashton Lane and Great George Street Lane, which are popular leisure destinations.”

Planners acknowledge the “proposed closure of a well-established car park has generated a substantial amount of concern amongst objectors”.

But they state: “Ultimately, the car park is privately owned by the applicant who is under no obligation to keep it open.

“The reduction in car journeys will improve the local environment and air quality of the adjacent streets. The proposed development will improve connectivity between Ashton Lane and Lilybank Gardens and improve access to the gardens, with new paths and planting which will encourage their use and improve the appearance of this part of the conservation area.”

The university’s application states: “The building will deliver one of the university’s first purpose built student residences for over 20 years at the heart of the city’s west end.

“The primary goal is to offer students high-quality, close-to-campus accommodation that meets the needs of our growing academic community and enriches our students’ overall university experience.”