PLANS for a mixed-use transformation of a Shawlands back court area have been approved.
Councillors granted permission for the development off Kilmarnock Road, which will feature mixed-use new-build commercial space housing a retail unit, a coffee shop and a restaurant, and a courtyard.
Pedestrian access will be created by demolishing a shop at 75 Kilmarnock Road — currently a hairdressers — and forming a pend.
Thirty-six objections were received from residents, the local community council and Councillor Susan Aitken.
A supporting statement included with the application by restaurateur Domenico Crolla — which was submitted in 2017 — referenced Glasgow’s history of tenements being “wrapped around workplaces” such as the Hidden Lane in Finnieston and Ruthven Lane, off Byres Road.
It explained: “The Crolla family has traded, successfully, in the operation of restaurants in Glasgow for over half a century.
“Award-winng chef/proprietor Domenico Crolla trades from the recently refurbished and rebranded Oro restarurant at 85 Kilmarnock Road.
“Domenico purchased the land to the rear of his restaurant and now wishes to pursue his vision of creating the South Side equivalent of Ashton Lane in the West End of Glasgow.
“This site offers the opportunity of creating something that will be a success and enhance the vitality of this part of Kilmarnock Road.”
The land is bounded by 35 to 87 Kilmarnock Road, 12 to 20 Mount Stuart Street, 3 to 27 Walton Street and 74 to 124 Deanston Drive. Drawings indicate the venue will be known as Deanston Village.
Objectors raised concerns about issues including design, privacy, amenity, access, parking and traffic, but planning officials said the application complies with policies and should be approved.
Their report stated: “Where visible, the design has been amended to reflect the commercial buildings within lanes in the Shawlands ‘Culture Quarter’ to the rear of 970-1010 Pollokshaws Road. The proposal therefore respects the local architectural context of the Shawlands area.
“Demolition of 75 Kilmarnock Road would be the most visible element of the proposal from a public area. Subject to protective conditions regarding the proposed decorative gates and the treatment of the pend walls, the proposal would respect and complement the adjacent buildings and would serve to enhance the special character and appearance of the Shawlands Town Centre and Shawlands Cross Conservation Area.”
