Student flats given go ahead near River Kelvin despite objections from residents

Development of more than 150 new student flats on derelict land beside the River Kelvin at Otago Street has been given the green light despite objections from residents.

A hearing was held earlier this week to decide whether the plans for more purpose built student accommodation (PBSA), made up of three new accommodation blocks providing a total of 152 bedrooms, in Glasgow was necessary.

Members of the planning committee heard arguments for and against the proposals from the developer – Danehurst Development Limited – and objectors living in the West End.

Concerns had been raised that the development, which includes 96 studio units and 56 ensuite rooms, would range from six to eight storeys high.

Permission for 49 flats off Otago Street in Hillhead was previously granted following an appeal in 2023, despite over 750 objections, but the project has not been completed.

The most recent application has also faced criticism from objectors with 17 objections received by the council and four letters of support.

Key concerns included increased pressure on already limited residential parking, safety issues and congestion concerns.

Residents also highlighted issues with the height of the building which they claimed “excessive in scale” and that the proposals would harm the character of the Hillhead Conservation area, particularly along Otago Lane and the River Kelvin corridor.

During the meeting, applicant Bob Bratland, of Danehurst Developments Limited, explained why the proposal was necessary for the area.

Mr Bratland said: “The site is in an area of Glasgow with a large number of students, creating a huge demand for shared accommodation.

“There is almost no PBSA in this area despite hosting the largest university in Glasgow so students will rent local housing.

“Students’ clear desire is to live close to campus if not on it. PBSA can also alleviate pressure on local housing stock.

“The site has been dormant for over 40 years, there have been several applications for the site since then but no development has materialized.

“The opportunity is to allow for the redevelopment of this site which is overgrown, derelict and inaccessible with little or no benefits to local residents to deliver much wanted revitalisation of a lane which has been better days, making it an attractive environment for those who live there and a welcoming environment for those who want to visit.”

Mr Bratland also clarified that should the application be successful, accommodation would open September 2028.

Objectors were also invited to have their say.

Tom Johnstone, secretary of Woodlands and Park community council, said: “The scale of the proposed building exceeds that of the buildings which historically occupied the site and in this context the proposal has greatest tensions with the placemaking principle and historic environment.

“The massing and height of the site breaches policies aimed at protecting the city’s heritage, respecting the historic environment.

“There are no citywide benefits to be gained from this development which clearly outweigh the benefits of the currently existing network.”

Councillor Saqib Ahmed asked objectors what they would like to see on the site.

Mr Wilson who lives nearby said: “Glasgow has a housing emergency, I think the developer should withdraw the application and come back with some housing appropriate for this small piece of land.

“It would be suitable for this riverbank site in a conservation area with some weak areas of ground to prevent causing unacceptable light to neighbours, this development should be at a greatly reduced height and to ensure the development is suitable for generations to come.”

Following the discussion members of the committee agreed it was best to grant permission subject to conditions.

Chairman councillor Ken Andrew said: “I am slightly concerned about the number of PBSAs in the area.

“There have been a number of mitigations to lower the height and improve the performance in terms of the daylighting for neighbouring properties.

“In some respects it’s almost with a heavy heart, because I want to see more mainstream housing being built, but given its clear adjacency to the university so I am minded to accept the recommendation and grant subject to conditions.”