Glasgow rejects canalside build to rent tower plans

Plans for a major build to rent development on the banks of the canal near Speirs Wharf in Glasgow have been refused by councillors.Glasgow City Council’s planning committee yesterday voted 11:4 against an application by Hoxton Securities for 182 flats on a gap site between Sawmillfield Street and Farnell Street.Described as the first step towards regeneration of the Garscube industrial area, the developers had said the Stallan-Brand-designed project will deliver a “national best practice example of canalside regeneration”. Two buildings were proposed — one with 20 floors, the other with 12 — either side of a landscaped central access ramp giving level access to the canal towpath.Both buildings were to have roof gardens and would have contained a mixture of studio, one, two and three-bedroom flats.A commercial unit, gym and a rehearsal space, as well as public realm improvements, were also to be included.Planning officials had recommended approval for the development but councillors’ refusal related to over-massing, having a residential development in an industrial-use area, and lack of green/play space. Residents would not have had access to any off-street parking spaces or be entitled to a parking permit for an on-street parking space. Four spaces for car club use were to be provided and three for blue badge holders.A proposal for a student residential development was previously approved on the site but was never implemented.