Community demands answers over student flats go-ahead
A WEST End politician is demanding answers from planning bosses following their decision to overturn a refusal to build student flats.
Controversial plans to build 45 student flats at the junction of Sandyford Street and Kelvinhaugh Street in Yorkhill were approved last week – despite previously being rejected.
An appeal concluded that the development, that includes two, three and fivebedroom flats with cycle parking, a gym, a communal area and an outdoor leisure space, could go-ahead.
Sandra White MSP has written to Committee chairman Bailie Glenn Elder to formally register objections and request a detailed account of how the decision was reached.
She said: “Yorkhill is a tight knit community and one that has made its voice clear with respect to the developments that they need in the area – social and affordable housing.
“They have also made it clear that more private student accommodation is neither required nor welcome, particularly at the expense of what little green space remains.”
She added: “It is the local residents who will truly be negatively impacted. Not only will another green space be lost, the chosen development does not benefit this community, and the domination of private student accommodation continues to consume every available plot in Yorkhill.”
Mr Elder said the decision was the “most difficult” he had made. Planning bosses had initially rejected the proposal following objections from neighbours who claimed there were too many student accommodations in the area.
Studies of the area revealed that over 6000 student accommodations within a 1km radius of the address of the new development.
Tensions have been further strained as developers look to add new plants, benches, fountains and other landscaping features on ground which currently has plum trees planted by Yorkhill and Kelvingrove Community Council on it.
It is expected that work will begin on site next year.