Objections to asylum seeker unit
HUNDREDS of people have lodged objections to plans to turn a former care home into a temporary asylum seeker unit.
Plans have been lodged for the project on the south of the city with council chiefs, but it has been met with objection from the community.
The applicant wants to create 200 rooms in the building which has not been used for at least four years.
MORE than 640 people have objected to a planning application that would see a former residential care unit transformed into temporary accommodation for asylum seekers.
Mack Residential asked Glasgow City Council for permission to take over the property once occupied by Torbrae Care Home on Castlemilk’s Bogany Terrace.
The applicant wants to create 200 rooms in the building which has not been used as an 88-bed care home for dementia patients for at least four years.
But Mack Residential won’t be able to proceed unless they are awarded the contract, currently owned by Serco, to support asylum seekers across the city.
Both organisations have submitted their bids to the Home Office.
Councillor Malcolm Cunning said: “Serco’s contract is coming up for renewal. Mack Residential have applied to the Home Office to house asylum seekers.
“They want to create 200 bedrooms in a building that is only fit for 88 residents. There will not be enough space for individuals let alone families.
“The community is not able to support 200 people. I doubt the police or social work will support these proposals.
“Had the application been for a smaller unit there would not have been the same level of concern.
“Accommodation for 20 to 25 people would have made more sense.
“The applicant is planning to reduce areas for socialising and bathroom facilities. This is just ridiculous.
“Residents need to have access to toilets. Children will want to play with one another and watch TV.
“This building has been empty for four years and it would be great to find a use for it, but we need to make sure we develop it in the right way.
“If plans do not meet the criteria it will be thrown out. There are so many hurdles and obstacles in the way before it can be passed.
“If planning permission is granted it does not mean it will go ahead. It might meet the planning requirements but this does not mean it will be a good idea.
“I don’t think it will get through planning.”
Fair Deal Glasgow has also expressed an interest in the property to create accommodation for adults with learning difficulties.
The group, which is already based in Castlemilk, would work alongside people who need support to lead an independent life.
The application from Mack Residential is expected to come before the planning committee in the New Year.
Locals hope the decision will allow other organisations to submit ideas to the council and find a suitable use for the building.