Anger at ‘ confusing’ plan for new flats

FINNIESTON residents are objecting to the latest “confusing and contradictory” proposals for new flats on Argyle Street.

Plans for 14 new flats at 1017 Argyle Street, including two ground- floor commercial units and amenity decking to the back of the property, have been resubmitted to Glasgow City Council’s planning department.

It comes after a planning application – which would fill the gap next to an active railway line – was rejected in November 2022.

The developer – Elder and Cannon Architects – appealed the decision but this was subsequently dismissed by the Scottish Government reporter who found the proposals would be “in stark contrast” to the immediate and wider vicinity.

A new application, which includes very little new information, has now been submitted to planning chiefs to develop more standard one and two- bed apartments rather than the originally proposed one- bed “micro flats”.

The design includes a roofscape penthouse, balconies and looks to offer “high- quality homes” and roof- terraced amenity space.

But the proposals have attracted more criticism from Finnieston residents who claim they are not a suitable design for a conservation area, that the scale of the building – believed to be six storeys high – is too large and that the decking to the rear of the property will infringe on people’s privacy in the existing tenement blocks.

The plans have also been deemed “confusing and contradictory”, making it “impossible” to know what is being proposed.

Campaigner Frank McCallum, 70, said: “Residents are concerned that the proposed building will compromise their privacy because it will protrude into the back court area for a full 25 metres.

“Most of this will be at first- floor level in the form of an amenity deck for the new building.

“Towards the rear of the building all the flats will have large overlooking balconies or a roof terrace.

“All of these items are specifically mentioned in Glasgow City Council planning guidance as being unwelcome, but the developer needs to include them in order to provide a sufficient level of ‘ amenity’.”