A GOVERNMENT planning appeal expert says hundreds of apartments can be built beside the River Kelvin in Partick, subject to agreement being reached over legal matters.

KR Developments applied to build 424 apartments in four multi-storey blocks on a vacant area to the south of Beith Street/Castlebank Street on former railway land between two student accommodation complexes.

The build-to-rent complex would feature studios, and one, two and three-bedroom apartments, plus a gym, co-working space, lounge areas and residents’ cafe.

Councillors on Glasgow’s planning applications committee voted 11-4 in November last year to reject the proposal. A decision notice issued in January gives various reasons for refusal including the scale, massing and density “not being in keeping with the surrounding area” and “failure to provide a suitable mix” of accommodation.

It was also felt that the size, layout and single aspect format of studio and one bedroom units was not satisfactory and that the development was deficient in the provision of open space specifically in relation to allotment or community garden space.

Glasgow planning officials had recommended approval for the application. Their report stated: “The proposed development is considered to be appropriate in scale, design and use of high quality materials and will make a successful contribution to its setting and the council’s placemaking objectives.”

It continued: “The proposed residential use is wholly compatible with location of the site and its management can be safeguarded though a suitably worded management plan.

“The delivery of a key section of the Kelvin Walkway will help deliver the enhanced linkages required by the City Development Plan.”

KR Developments appealed and a reporter appointed by the Scottish Government’s planning and environmental appeals division has said she is in favour of the development.

The reporter, Rosie Leven found that the proposals as a whole are in line with the city’s development plan and that “a high quality design with a satisfactory level of amenity would be achieved”.

Permission will officially be granted if a legal agreement is reached between the council and the developer over several matters including financial contribution towards off-site open space provision.