February 15 2023

A contentious apartment block in Strathbungo has been conditionally recommended for approval following negotiations with AS Homes and their architect, Keppie Design.

Tackling issues concerning scale, precedent and design head-on Glasgow's planning application committee dismissed numerous letters of objection.

Initially weighing in at seven storeys the project has been trimmed to six in greater deference to low rise neighbours. Further efforts have also been made to reduce the proportion of blank facade by increasing the number of window openings on Nithsdale Drive.

Another area of controversy centred on the lack of commercial units along Pollokshaws Road, with this space given over to street level flats. Addressing this issue directly the committee wrote: "... the privacy for ground floor flats along Pollokshaws Road is maintained by the internal floor level being raised above the footway and providing the Juliet balcony railings. Residents would not require to keep curtains or blinds closed for privacy.

"The Pollokshaws Road elevation is activated by windows to habitable rooms, entrances and where the internal space is occupied by plant or cycle storage, a perforated brick panel is used to prevent the street level appearing as a solid ‘bland’ mass."

Numerous conditions are attached to the decision, including a stipulation that daytime noise levels (with windows closed) do not exceed 45 decibels.

8 Comments

#1 Posted by Peter on 15 Feb 2023 at 16:59 PM

HMP Strathbungo rise and shine.

#2 Posted by Hash on 15 Feb 2023 at 19:30 PM

Mostly looks good, increasing density in the inner city is what we need to be doing to address the climate crisis. However, more balconies and some retail units would improve it immensely

#3 Posted by Spike on 16 Feb 2023 at 10:13 AM

Like this so hopefully it progresses

#4 Posted by machine on 16 Feb 2023 at 16:40 PM

I imagine the surrounding neighbours will not be happy...that artist's representation has the sun fairly high....there will be people rightfully miffed at the shade they are now getting, especially on south facing Nithsdale Dr. All these flats being built in this area is not ideal either. There is not the infrastructure to support the increase in population, not enough supermarkets and public services.

#5 Posted by DJ on 16 Feb 2023 at 17:18 PM

#4 There's no lack of infrastructure. 3 railway stations in 5 minute walk, on a major bus corridor. Lidl, Sainsburys, Farmfoods and Tesco within 10minute walk, Morrisons at crossmyloof is 15 minute walk. Other independents on Victoria road. Admittedly getting a NHS dentist round these parts is a chore especially after mydentist on Nithsdale Road shut up shop. If you cant infill here with residential, you can't anywhere in the city.

#6 Posted by Siobhan McFadden on 17 Feb 2023 at 15:41 PM

This building is unattractive and would make the local area even less appealing. All of these throw them up quick flats nearby are showing signs of disrepair, rot and damp already. This area has plenty of flats we don’t need any more. Go and build on all the empty spaces further in towards the city centreS

#7 Posted by Karen Hendry on 17 Feb 2023 at 23:13 PM

How gracious, due to height concerns, that there's been an agreement to shrink from 7 to 6 storeys! Utterly shocking!!
God help the poor folk on Nithsdale Drive as they are plunged into darkness!!! Whomever aporoved this I hope they enjoy spending the bribe money!

#8 Posted by Roddy_ on 20 Feb 2023 at 14:03 PM

Another of those buildings whose overall aesthetic reminds you of a young offender's institute- the meanly proportioned windows and juliet balconies that look like security bars. See Bell Street for precedent.. https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@55.856603,-4.2366765,3a,75y,306.42h,86.31t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1srI2MegVDbtH4mTSX7s57sA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en-GB
A sad and dreich example of the austerity architecture that seems to pervade even the most prominent of city sites.

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