COUNCILLORS have voted in favour of a plan to demolish a former Southside convent and build luxury apartments.
Surplus Property Solutions have been given permission to knock down the empty villa at 32 Mansionhouse Road, Langside and build a five-storey block. The development will have 16 apartments, roof terrace amenity space and landscaping.
The proposal was approved by Glasgow’s planning applications committee. Nearly 80 objections had been received by the city council.
Officials has recommended approval and stated in their report: “Taking a proportionate approach, the property is not listed nor in a conservation area, and, given that the applicant has set out that the retention of the property is not viable, it is considered that a reasoned justification to redevelop the site has been given.”
A design document submitted with the application stated that it had been “deemed unviable to retain and develop the existing building” following a review of “third party technical studies”.
It continued: “Our proposals for the subject site are for the creation of a residential development comprising 16 dual and triple aspect, private, built-for-sale apartments.
“Proposals prioritise amenity space, both communal and private, with the integration of a large rooftop area for communal use, external amenity, and extensive private balconies / terraces for every apartment within the development.”
The statement concluded: “Overall, an appropriate design solution for the site has been developed following an extensive site and area appraisal as well as detailed design process incorporating feedback from key stakeholders and from within Glasgow City Council planning department.”
A previous application by Iain Wilson Properties for 20 flats was refused by Glasgow City Council for various reasons including overdevelopment and lack of onsite amenity.
The planning department had also said no justification for the loss of the sandstone villa had been provided.
The villa, which is not listed, was used by Sister of Bon Secours for many years.
