Plans approved for flats at Shawlands Bowling Club after successful appeal

One of the two bowling greens at the Shawlands club will be lost when the residential development goes ahead.

Glasgow City Council had rejected the proposal, submitted by Kelvin Properties, for 34 homes on Pollokshaws Road, in November last year.

But councillors supported the application, subject to conditions, when it was reviewed yesterday (Wednesday).

The appeal stated: “Since 2014, Shawlands Bowling Club has been seeking a solution to the problem of its declining membership and falling financial resources, with a view to using part of the club’s land ownership to re-ignite and sustain the facilities and the club for the foreseeable future.

“Having considered a number of options, the proposal by Kelvin Properties was seen as an appropriate solution to meet the requirements.”

Council officers had ruled the proposal was not in accordance with the city’s development plan and said it would be “detrimental to residential amenity” and result in the loss of protected open space.

Neighbours had objected to the plans, claiming there was insufficient parking and the development would overshadow and restrict natural light to other properties, including Destiny Church and Shawlands Academy.

But the applicant stated the decision to refuse had been “premature” as work was ongoing to address issues raised by the council.

The development is “considered to be in keeping with the density of the surrounding urban area and appropriate for this area which is recognised as one of high accessibility”, the appeal added.

It stated planning officers had accepted the proposal will “assist in regenerating the area” and add “new life to this part of the city”.

Members of the bowling club submitted letters of support for the development alongside the appeal.

One of two bowling greens will be lost if the flats are built but SportScotland has agreed there is not the demand for two bowling greens at the site.

“There are more than 12 bowling greens within a mile radius of the site,” the applicant added.

One condition included in the approval requires a revised plan for a redesigned parking court.