Argyle Street flats refusal upheld by Scottish Government

Glasgow planning chiefs are “heartened” by the Scottish Government’s decision to uphold their decision to refuse an application for 14 new flats near Argyle Street.

Proposals for the apartments, which would have included two commercial units near 1017 Argyle Street, were rejected by members of the planning committee last November.

Had it been successful, the development would have filled a gap next to the active railway line on the south side of Argyle Street which is directly opposite the junction with Kent Road.

During a planning meeting, it was argued that the proposal was contrary to the “Historic Environment” of the Glasgow City Development plan as the design, roof, scale and choice of materials of the building would not respect the setting of the nearby B-list building nor enhance the character of the St Vincent Crescent conservation area.

But the applicant then submitted an appeal to the planning and environment appeals division, which was subsequently dismissed by the Scottish reporter who found that the proposals would be “in stark contrast” to the immediate and wider vicinity.

They also found that the choice of materials would contrast with the sandstone of the tenement and be alien to that part of the street and the proposed design would be such a contrast to a nearby tenement building.

An update was presented to members of the planning committee today.

Chairman and councillor Ken Andrew said: “It is quite heartening to see that the reporter did agree with our conclusions from last November.

“It was a lengthy consideration of this development and it is heartening when we have the reporter agreeing with us.”