AN attempt is being made to overturn the latest rejection of plans to develop a former bowling club in Finnieston.

The proposal by land owners Nixon Blue was the third to be drawn up for the old Corunna green in St Vincent Crescent which is classed as a protected open space, although there is currently no public access to it.

The application — which attracted 366 objections — was for 20 apartments, a mix of two, three and four-bedroom units, plus duplexes, in a five-storey building, with underground parking

Compared with previous applications, there was a big reduction in the number of flats, and a much larger open garden and amenity space proposed to the front of the development for use by residents and the local community.

City planners in a lengthy decision report issued in July stated: “The proposed development will result in an unacceptable loss of protected open space and adversely impact upon the character of the St Vincent Crescent Conservation Area.

“We welcome that the building scale has reduced from previous applications and that the building plan form has improved and the quality of accommodation proposed appears to be quite high. Nevertheless, this is not enough to outweigh the fundamental land use principle and conservation area issues.”

Appeal documents submitted on behalf of Nixon Blue argue: “The development would deliver something that is not currently available which is local, accessible, high-quality public open space. The post-development position would be that significant progress would have been made to delivering council policy on open space for the local area.

“The removal of the former clubhouse building would not adversely affect the environment of the conservation area. Conversely, the creation of the open, well-landscaped, public open space area (as proposed within this application) would significantly enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area at the western end of St Vincent Crescent.”

The appeal will be considered by councillors on Glasgow City Council’s planning local review committee.

The latest application compared with 36 flats in a seven-storey block in a previous propposal which the developer itself withdrew just days before it was due to be considered by councillors. Planners had recommended refusal of that proposal.

Nixon Blue’s first plans for the site — which were refused in 2019 — were for a nine-storey building with 39 apartments.