A COMMUNITY-led proposal to turn a traffic island on Glasgow’s south side into a public square has been approved by planners.

Mount Florida Community Council has been given permission to turn Letherby Triangle — which is surrounded by Letherby Drive, Cathcart Road and Carmunnock Road — into a civic space.

A design document included with the application stated: “Letherby Triangle sits at an important site at the heart of the neighbourhood but is currently a traffic island with little value to the community beyond a stand of mature cherry trees.”

The proposal includes closing the traffic junction between Cathcart Road and Carmunnock Road, instead routing all traffic along Letherby Drive.

There would be no motor traffic on Carmunnock Road, between Cathcart Road and Letherby Drive, allowing Letherby Triangle civic to be connected to adjacent the shops, giving space for cafes and restaurants to have outdoor seating.

Also proposed is a staircase with viewing platform to act as a ‘focal point structure’.

The design statement explained: “It will be multi-functional, allowing the community to use the space for a range of activities.

“The staircase will have a viewing platform that sits within the canopies of the cherry trees.”

The staircase will sit on a pedestal that could be used for play, outdoor teaching or as a stage for events.

Other aspects of the project include new street trees, a rain garden, pavement improvements, cycle infrastructure and an area suitable for markets, events and gatherings.