THE owners of a historic former railway office building in Springburn want permission to demolish large sections of it.

Only the front section of A-listed Flemington House would be kept, with the rear portions being knocked down.

The property, designed by architect James Miller, was built in 1908 as offices for the North British Locomotive Company.

The building in Flemington Street later became a college and was sold for use as a business centre in 2006.

A statement submitted to Glasgow City planners explains: “The rear sections have a more industrial finish and are generally in poor condition.

“The property to be demolished is 20 per cent occupied despite efforts to attract new business.”

Three floors of the block to be retained are approximately 60 per cent occupied. The top floor was never converted and the owners are proposing to adapt that space and move tenants from the rear of the building into it.

The statement continues: “The removal of empty rates concession for the unoccupied portions of the building has resulted in charges far higher than income.”

The property has been marketed for sale however there have been no offers apart from one in March which was withdrawn after the rates exemption abolition was announced.

It’s further asserted: “It has been demonstrated that despite a long period of operation and marketing, the space considered for demolition cannot be filled by the present commercial uses or the charges for empty rates are too high to permit ongoing sporadic renovation as has been the case in the past when demand arose.

“A request on 29 April for an emergency meeting to find solutions with the planning department has had no response.”

The listed building application is pending assessment by council officials.