Glasgow art deco building to be demolished

A 1930s style listed building in Anniesland, described as being in a perilous state of disrepair, will be demolished to make way for new affordable homes.
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Despite more than 43 letters of objection, the former art deco property at 380 Bearsden Road will be knocked down and in its place two blocks of flats raised.

The two new residential blocks, which will be situated on Bearsden Road and Crow Road, will be made up of 46 flats in total and operated by the Partick Housing Association and Hanover Scotland respectively.

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But objectors felt the C-listed property could have been saved and that the applicant had not sufficiently investigated alternative uses for the building.

The issue was brought before the planning committee this afternoon following a site visit.

Objecting on behalf of his constituents MSP Paul Sweeney said: “The building does remain of special architectural interest and fitting its listed status.

“I attended the site [of my own accord] and met with a structural engineer who disputed the conclusion that the building was beyond repair and suggested that it is in fact salvageable.

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“There are many buildings across the city requiring similar repairs which do not cause a fundamental problem.”

Councillors listened to what the MSP had to say but were encouraged to take the council’s own findings and site visit into account.

The art deco building on Bearsden Road will be demolished.The art deco building on Bearsden Road will be demolished.
The art deco building on Bearsden Road will be demolished.

The new blocks proposed are designed to reflect the historic industrial context of the area, canal and the sawtooth gables.

The planning committee was informed by Calum Murray, director of the CCG Group, one of Scotland’s largest construction and manufacturing companies, that they acquired the property on behalf of the Partick Housing Association and Hanover Scotland.

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He said: “Proposals will deliver for north Glasgow much needed affordable homes for mid market rent. CCG has over the last few years made a proud contribution to the restoration of the city’s heritage including work on Kelvingrove Bandstand, Cathcart Old Parish Church and the former Argyle Street stables to name but a few.

“Please do be assured there is a long history of associations with this site. The decision to apply to demolish the site was not taken lightly and only after we exhausted all other options.”

Following the discussion members agreed that this proposal was the best option despite concerns raised by the objectors.

SNP councillor Ken Andrew said: “I accept there are concerns from objectors and I probably would have been more on the objectors side had I not visited the site today.

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“Really the building is in a perilous state. I don’t think there is a great ability for it to be saved. I was not asking for a 1930s building to be rebuilt but I thought there might be a homage paid to the 1930s style of the building and I have to say I am disappointed that is not the case.”

SNP Councillor Eva Bollandar added: “I tend to agree with the councillor on this. It is obviously a great loss in terms of the 1930s building but in this case I do think it is justified.

“We don’t have the powers in the council in respect of retaining and paying for the upkeep of building. I think different levels of government could protect these types of buildings. I have my reservations but I am persuaded to agree with the proposed applications.”

At the end of the meeting the committee granted the planning application.

SNP Councillor Anne MacTaggart, who did not agree with her planning colleagues, asked for her dissent to be recorded.

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