December 2 2020

A pioneering self-build homes pilot project is taking shape at Maryhill Locks after Glasgow City Council facilitated the release of six plots for development.

First to emerge is plot 4 by Grigor Mitchell Architect which delivers a highly individual house design that is both sustainable and affordable.

Seed of much bigger self-build ambitions the initiative follows moves down south to enshrine the interests of people interested in self-build by obligating local authorities to maintain a register of interested parties and consider their interests when undertaking planning, housing and land disposal decisions.

While the Right to Build Act does not apply to Scotland Glasgow is pushing ahead regardless, shifting perceptions that self-build is only for unserviced individual rural plots but can be delivered at scale in deprived urban areas often overlooked by mainstream developers.

Councillor Kenny McLean commented: “Self-build housing is another way in which sites in the city can be developed to create homes that meet the different needs of people wanting to live here. The pilot scheme at Maryhill Locks is progressing very well, and it is great to see this special project receiving recognition. We can look forward to more self-build sites being developed in Glasgow over the next few years.”

A further five plots are being delivered in tandem, each benefitting from a design code and plot passport to streamline the planning process. This includes designs by John Gilbert Architects; A1 Architectural Design; Ann Nisbet; Stewart Associates and Wastu Design.

17 Comments

#1 Posted by HMR on 2 Dec 2020 at 09:12 AM

Fantastic, really interested to see how this develops.

#2 Posted by The Heart of Saturday Night on 2 Dec 2020 at 09:31 AM

Very interesting scheme and concept - a lot to be gained here providing there is the support from the relevant statutory agencies.

I'm not sure that a wee cabin in deepest Maryhill would be my choice but can't fault the ambition!

#3 Posted by Bill S on 2 Dec 2020 at 10:18 AM

This looks like a fantastic scheme.

UR; according to the planning portal [17/01713/DC], Ann Nisbet Studio worked on Plot 3.

#4 Posted by Sue Pearman on 2 Dec 2020 at 10:44 AM

The designs look good but this is a very urban location for suburban island housing. The site is much better suited to a development really celebrating the engineering of the canal and locks. A strange one really.

#5 Posted by Robin B's Discount on 2 Dec 2020 at 11:09 AM

Ridiculous - this should be allotments. If the Elmbank House thread taught us anything its that there's an insane desire for allotments throughout Glasgow! Sack these homes and build allotments please GCC.

#6 Posted by UR on 2 Dec 2020 at 11:53 AM

@3 apologies - I've tweaked the plot numbering.

#7 Posted by TheFakeArchitect on 2 Dec 2020 at 12:22 PM

I'm fascinated to see how this plans out and hoping that its successful. Its an extremely interesting concept, that I would hope could help reinvigorate the domestic architectural sector. We desperately need a step away from the continuous mundane national house types that pepper every single local area nowadays. This could at least contribute towards that..

#8 Posted by R Bennett on 2 Dec 2020 at 13:30 PM

Looks interesting. It like the real worldness of the 3D

#9 Posted by Scunnered on 2 Dec 2020 at 14:14 PM

I can't wait to see some self builds made from buckfast bottles and deep fried mars bars.

#10 Posted by jimbob tanktop on 2 Dec 2020 at 16:04 PM

#9
There it is, the heady to and fro of intellectual debate

#11 Posted by Mary Hill on 2 Dec 2020 at 21:11 PM

This looks ridiculous. Totally underscaled for the location. And I think I'd feel quite vulnerable living in that area in a tiny timber cabin.

#12 Posted by Gandalf the Pink on 3 Dec 2020 at 08:41 AM

#11.
The first attempt was straw, but sadly the big bad wolf blew it away.
If the 'tiny timber cabin' doesn't stand up to the fearsome Maryhill wolfpack they will have to upgrade to bricks and mortar and be secure as a wee little pig could ever wish to be.

#13 Posted by Ross Mitchell on 3 Dec 2020 at 08:43 AM

I like the concept, but the location doesn't seem to fit. Are they building these houses with no gardens or private property around them? Feels quite exposed for an urban location?

#14 Posted by Bon Iver on 3 Dec 2020 at 16:43 PM

This will be ideal for me to write my next gritty urban inspired album

#15 Posted by Bdubz on 4 Dec 2020 at 08:18 AM

The first house on the site is on plot 4. Designed and built by the owner.

#16 Posted by AMK on 4 Dec 2020 at 11:05 AM

This is a completely inaccurate and poorly researched 'news' article. Full information is available on the planning portal - 6 individually designed self build homes will be erected on the site.

#17 Posted by John Glenday on 4 Dec 2020 at 12:14 PM

To clarify the details for the six plots are as follows:

Plot 1 John Gilbert Architects
Plot 2 A1 Architectural Design
Plot 3 Ann Nisbet
Plot 4 Grigor Mitchell Architect (main photo)
Plot 5 Stewart Associates
Plot 6 Wastu Design

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