UK: The Scottish Government has called in a purpose-built-student-accommodation (PBSA) in Glasgow amid concerns over its potential impact on the neighbouring Category A-listed Mackintosh Building.
The 356-bed scheme, designed by HAUS Collective for Vita Group, was approved by Glasgow City Council last month despite objections from Historic Environment Scotland (HES) and the Glasgow School of Art (GSA).
The site, on the corner of Sauchiehall Street and Scott Street, was formerly occupied by the O2 ABC venue, which was demolished following damage sustained during the 2018 fire at the adjacent Mackintosh Building.
Scottish ministers have now confirmed they will take over the planning application, citing the proposal’s potential impact on the nationally important Mackintosh Building, designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh and completed in 1909.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Following careful consideration, ministers have called in the application for their own determination. An independent reporter will now examine the proposal and submit a report and recommendation to ministers, who will then make the final decision.”
The Mackintosh Building has been closed since a major fire in 2014 and suffered further damage in 2018. It remains covered in scaffolding, with restoration plans by Reiach and Hall and Purcell due to be revealed later this year.
In its objection, HES said the scale and massing of the proposed student development could affect the setting and views of the Mackintosh Building, as well as the functionality and character of its interior spaces, particularly areas likely to be prioritised during restoration.
Glasgow City Council’s planning department had previously concluded the proposed development would not prevent the faithful rebuilding of the Mackintosh Building and noted that the existing scaffolding is currently encroaching on the ABC site.
HES said following the call-in: “We objected to proposals to redevelop the O2 ABC site on Sauchiehall Street in Glasgow, as we considered that the height and massing of the proposed new building would have a significant adverse impact on the setting of the nearby A-listed Glasgow School of Art.”
Highlights:
– The Scottish Government has called in the planning application for the Vita Group’s PBSA in Glasgow.
– The decision has been made due to concerns over the impact on the Category A-listed Mackintosh Building.
– Glasgow City Council had previously approved the 356-bed development despite objections from key heritage bodies.
