ReGlasgow

FLATS Plan For Partick Open Space Site Is Refused

16 October, 2019 | Residential

PLANNERS have rejected a bid to build for flats on an area of open space next to the Clydeside Expressway in Partick.

Forty-eight apartments had been proposed for the site at Beith Street which is currently landscaped with trees, grass and a path.

The car-free development had attracted a strong community opposition, with yellow ribbons being tied on trees in protest.

Glasgow City Council officials have today refused permission saying the application is contrary to various planning policies, mainly relating to loss of open space.

Their decision document states: “The loss of the embankment would not protect the existing built environment, while proposed flats adjacent to a dual carriageway is not considered ‘safe and pleasant’ or ‘welcoming’.”

“The proposed residential development on such a constrained site would not result in integrated neighbourhood, would not contribute to distinctiveness.”

It further states that the housing:

— Would result in the loss of green open space which would be detrimental to the amenity enjoyed by the community in the immediate locale.

— Would not be directly related to the current use of the open space and would adversely impact on its functions

— Is not being brought forward in conjunction with a proposal for an equivalent, or higher quality, new open space to replace that being lost

— Is not being developed in accordance with an approved masterplan that provides for a redistribution of open space

Planners also said the site does not meet the criteria for car-free housing as it is not within the boundary of a restricted or controlled parking zone.

The application by Clydeside BSW Developments Ltd sought approval for the principle of residential development at the site and proposed two blocks, one with six storeys and the other with four storeys, each containing 24 flats, a mixture of one and two-bedroom homes.

A design document submitted to Glasgow City Council had explained: “The new Expressway created large embankments that had previously been tenements or industrial dockside buildings.

“Over the succeeding years these legacy brownfield spaces have become landscaped but, due to being unenclosed, provide very little amenity value other than to dog walkers, and their pets, and cyclists using the routes for commuting and leisure.

“The mature trees do however serve to provide visual amenity to residents by acting as a visual screen to the Expressway. For this reason the indicative layout included in this application seeks to retain the existing mature tree planting as much as possible.”

It continued: “The proposed residential blocks are the same height as the existing residences immediately opposite.”

The pedestrian and cycle route were to be kept. An initial assessment found that nine out of 33 trees would need to be removed.

The document had argued that the location was suitable for car-free housing because of nearby public transport, the cycle route and the controlled parking zone.

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