UK: The developer of a planned 19-storey student accommodation tower in Glasgow City Centre has lodged an appeal to the Scottish Government over the local authority’s delay on a decision for its future.
The proposals were submitted in May by Cooper Cromar on behalf of developer Varsity Developments, and would involve the full demolition of a full tenement at 70-72A Waterloo Street and the partial demolition of the B-listed Distillers’ Building at number 64 on the same street
The planned student accommodation development would feature 350 student homes and amenities such as a sports hall, greenhouse room, gym, cinema room, karaoke, e-games and VR rooms, podcast and sensory rooms, and roof terraces.
A design document within the new application by Cooper Cromar reads: “The proposal to retain the front part of the Distillers’ Building, noted for its high heritage significance, while demolishing the rear part reflects a balanced approach to heritage conservation and urban development, aiming to safeguard the building’s cultural legacy while fostering sustainable growth and revitalisation in the surrounding area.”
In its appeal to the government, Varsity Developments said that it had received no feedback on the proposals, despite its application having been declared valid on 3 May. The application was classified as “major” which has a “statutory determination period of four months”.
The company added that Glasgow City Council “has failed to determine the application within the relevant statutory timescales”, nor had it been provided with an indication as to when the application might be determined.
Varsity Developments has also argued that there is “no material consideration” to indicate that planning permission for the student accommodation tower should not be granted. It has now called on an independent reporter, appointed by the Scottish Government, to allow the appeal.
According to Scottish Housing News, the reporter has requested a response from the council and a decision is expected to be reached by late November.
