A DEVELOPMENT of homes for young people leaving care has been approved for a site in Maryhill.

City planners have agreed that the properties can be provided at Shiskine Drive, near Maryhill Road, under the Barnardo’s Gap Homes scheme.

The charity stated at the time of submitting their application in February 2021: “In conjunction with Glasgow City Council Continuing Care and Social Work colleagues, we identified the need for additional small-scale accommodation for young people who require a higher level of on-site support to make the first steps towards living more independently, for example, young people leaving secure care or returning from out-of-authority placements.

“The Gap Homes cluster model will expand existing provision by offering four purpose built, one-bedroom homes to young people who will be supported by an on-site staff team occupying a larger property on site designed to offer some of the benefits of a family home, such as shared social space, shared meals and individualised support.

“The support provided will be 24/7 and includes waking night staff.”

A design statement from architects O’Donnell Brown explained: “The Gap Homes project presents the opportunity to create a sensitive development which seeks to create a defined edge to the street whilst also enhancing the surrounding landscape and site boundaries

“Forming a courtyard to the rear of the site enhances the quality of the existing stone wall and makes it a feature of the development.

“The courtyard will become a safe shared space where residents can come together for communal activities whilst also providing the entrance to each property and an attractive outlook.”

It continued: “Homes have been arranged to enclose the rear courtyard and create a street edge to Shiskine Drive. A visual connection is offered from each home towards the courtyard but also to the street allowing each resident to feel connected with the local community.”