A 16-FLOOR student accommodation block in Glasgow City Centre has been approved by planners.

The building at the top of Renfield Street, next to the recently opened Maldron Hotel, will have 432 student apartments.

The development is being proposed by ES Renfield Ltd, part of McAleer & Rushe Property, on the final vacant plot of what was the STV studios site.

Officials stated in their decision report: “The principle of purpose-built student accommodation in this location is considered to be appropriate and to meet the aims of the policy to support the growth of higher and further education institutions within Glasgow and strengthen its economy.”

Planning permission was previously given for an office block on the site.

A statement included with the application explained: “The development seeks to create a distinctive and unique environment with a wide range of internal and external amenities — reflecting the themes of sustainability, community and placemaking.

“The footprint is smaller than the extant planning application but steps up in height to minimise building footprint and increase the amount of external area.”