O2 ABC development: Decision on Sauchiehall Street student accommodation development delayed
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A decision on controversial plans to build student accommodation in Glasgow city centre has been delayed
The Scottish Government reporter will make his decision on the future of the O2 ABC on Sauchiehall Street could be delayed. It is now understood that the decision will be revealed at the end of May or early-June, citing ‘work pressures/commitments’. A decision had been anticipated by 4 May.
Writing to participating parties, the Planning & Environmental Appeals Division said: “Please note Mr West has advised that due to other work pressures/commitments,he may be slightly delayed in issuing the report to Ministers. Mr West endeavours this report to be finalised and sent to Ministers by the end of May/early June.”
In January, Scottish Government reporter Stuart West heard from both applicants and objectors during a marathon five-hour session in what was the latest step in a more than five year long process that has seen sides clash over how a 350 bed purpose-built student accommodation could affect the iconic Mackintosh Building in Glasgow.
Objectors have claimed that the student accommodation will block views from the Mackintosh Building that are instrumental to its purpose.
Rev Jane Sutherland, a former Glasgow School of Art student and vice chair of Garnethill Community Council, voiced her concerns that the removal or impediment of views from the school’s hen run would go against the intended design principles of the building.
Rev. Sutherland said: “As Macintosh intended, the entirety of the building is a teaching tool in itself.”
However, the art school has been accused of “standing in the way of progress” by James Patterson, director of property investment firm Urban Pulse.
Plans for the site of the former O2 ABC were first submitted to Glasgow City Council in 2019, and saw substantial objections from both the public and heritage bodies. As many as 130 were lodged to the council’s planning portal.
Objections from Historic Environment Scotland and pressure from Paul Sweeney saw the plans put before the reporter.