COUNCILLORS have given permission for apartments to be built at a Glasgow South Side bowling club, overturning a refusal decision made by planners.
Kelvin Properties appealed over Glasgow City Council’s rejection of the 34-unit development proposed at Shawlands Bowling Club on Pollokshaws Road.
The council’s local review committee heard the appeal today and decided the properties can be built.
The plan involves demolishing part of the clubhouse, refurbishing the rest of the structure, and building a five-storey block of flats, with car parking, on the disused north eastern bowling green and the area around it.
Officials rejected the application in November last year saying it would result in overdevelopment and would fail to meet place-making principles designed to deliver high quality residential environments. They also said it would mean the loss of protected open space and that there was not enough car parking provision.
A statement submitted with the application when it was lodged in October 2018 explained: “Due to falling club memberships and a reduced participation in club activities, there has been a steady decline in inward investment for the club, which has resulted in a continuous reduction in the quality of club facilities on offer. The club currently barely breaks even on annual membership subscriptions, function hire and rental income from a Vodafone telecommunications mast.
“The north eastern bowling green is no longer in use, and the maintenance and upkeep has become an unaffordable financial burden for the club. The proposed portion of the clubhouse to be demolished (the old function room), lies unused throughout winter, as the club can no longer afford to heat it.
“The club are keen to carry out essential upgrades to the club facilities, as well as secure the long-term future of Shawlands Bowling Club.
“For these reasons the club committee have decided to release an unused parcel of land for development. The money received from the sale will be re-invested into the club by refurbishing the clubhouse and grounds, ensuring the 156-year-old club is not lost from the Shawlands community.”
