A STUDENT accommodation developer has submitted a planning application for a major complex at Charing Cross.

Vita are proposing nearly 600 student bedrooms plus 20 affordable rental flats for a vacant site at 20 India Street. There would also be a commercial unit.

A design document included with the application states: “The student housing is conceived as a family of buildings staggered in form, with the tallest element aligning with the height of the [neighbouring] Scottish Power headquarters.

“Vita will develop, own and operate the student housing element of this proposal bringing increased residential density to the area and an improved public realm to the surrounding streets.

“The India Street development will feature 591 high quality, spacious, individual studio bedrooms with integrated kitchens and en-suite shower rooms.

“The ground floor of the development will be given over to amenity space for the residents featuring study areas, gym, and cafe style lounges with extensive glazing to activate the street edge.

“A revamped and extended public realm along India street will provide open amenity space for the general public, not just the residents.

“An enclosed secure courtyard will provide additional private external amenity space and two landscaped roof terraces at higher level will provide further private amenity.”

The flats would be managed by a social landlord and would be one and two-bedroom flats.

The proposals are pending consideration by Glasgow City Council.

Major student developments are also being mooted for two other Charing Cross locations — at neighbouring Portcullis House and at Elmbank Gardens.