Planning fight to build a new pub in Sighthill will go before Glasgow councillors this week

The new pub aims to take the place of the former Caledonian bar, which closed after high rise flats were demolished in Sighthill and new housing was built. Originally Glasgow City Council turned down the bid, which also includes office accommodation, but now applicant John Welsh has lodged an appeal against the refusal.

The Caledonian Bar – also previously known as the Sidings – was located at Huntingdon Square in the area.Mr Welsh previously managed the thriving public house, which was “recognised as the primary community pub within the area” according to the planning appeal.The proposed location for he new replacment venue would be on an empty site at the end of Auchentoshan Terrace, which sits to the east of Springburn Road.

In an appeal, applicant John Welsh said: “The redevelopment of Sighthill led to the removal of vital community facilities. These facilities play a crucial role in supporting the health and wellbeing of the community. Remarkably, no objections have been raised from local community members against any of the applications—a rarity when proposing a new public house within the city.”

The appeal also pointed out that ” Glasgow City Council sold the site to the applicant with the specific intention of constructing a Public House to replace the Caledonian Bar in Sighthill.”

Planners have raised a number of problems with the proposed look of the new building claiming it is “visually confusing” and that access is “complicated” among other issues.

The applicant said the opinions seems to be “subjective and reflects the perspective of the case officer.”

Plans include a “multipurpose space suitable for private functions and third sector conferences” and the “development is designed to be car-free,” according to the applicant.T

he upper floors would be for community use and offer a “third sector hub.”The planning application appeal has been continued following a meeting in September last year with officers requesting further information, which has now been provided. Councillors are expected to make a decision at the planning local review committee this week.