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Latest News
23/03/19
There's a new development application threatening Otago Lane.
For up to date information, please see our Facebook page.
23/12/12
The campaign to save North Kelvin Meadow has reached a crucial stage. Read about it here.
13/11/12
The deadline for responding to the application to rezone the wildlife corridor is 7th December now due to the lack of the necessary Environmental Impact Assessment.
This is a sample letter of response to plans to re-zone the Otago Street area to Residential Only. If the DRS do this it will mean the end of the wildlife corridor. It will also take away some of the impetus from the campaign to save Otago Lane.
We'll keep you informed of any further information either here or on the Facebook page.
29/08/12
Glasgow City Council has today ignored its own planning regulations and 1,000s of objections to grant permission to the Otago Lane development.
We'll keep you informed of any further information either here or on the Facebook page.
04/07/12
There has now been a date set for the decision on Otago Lane. There will be site visit to Otago Lane by the planning application committee on 29th August 2012 (anticipated between 9:00-11:00am) and this will be followed immediately by the committee meeting at which the fate of Otago Lane will be determined.
We'll keep you informed of any further information either here or on the Facebook page.
12/06/12
A massive THANK YOU! to everyone who made it along to the demonstration today. It is clear that with your help we have persuaded the planning committee to listen to the community. This physical show of pulic support combined with the appeals by our local councillors persuaded the planning applications committee to delay the decision on the fate of Otago Lane until after they have conducted a site visit. The date of the site visit has not yet been confirmed, however we have been assured that it will not now happen until some point in August.
More on this on the Facebook page...
06/06/12
There has now been a date set for the decision on Otago Lane. There will be site visit to Otago Lane by the planning application committee on 29th August 2012 (anticipated between 9:00-11:00am) and this will be followed immediately by the committee meeting at which the fate of Otago Lane will be determined.
We'll keep you informed of any further information either here or on the Facebook page.
06/06/12
As we have anticipated all along, despite the long list of points that are contrary to the City Plan and the massive public feeling against this development, Glasgow City Council DRS have recommended that the application for development of Otago Lane should be approved by the Planning Application Committee.
The recommendation paper can be viewed here.
30/05/12
There has finally been a date set for the planning committee to decide on the fate of Otago Lane. We have been informed by DRS that the planning committee meeting at Glasgow City Chambers on 12 June 2012 will include consideration of the Otago Lane development proposal.
OLCA will be meeting over the next couple of days to plan our next actions, and we anticipate that there will be a demonstration at the Glasgow City Chambers on the day. If you would like to be involved, please contact us by email.
30/05/12
Recent changes to Facebook may mean that those of you who joined the fan pages were not getting updates from us. If you think this is the case, please rejoin the Fan page here.
21/11/11
21 November 2011 - Evening Times
WEST End campaigners have vowed to fight off developers for a third time to stop them building in a conservation area...
17/11/11
CAMPAIGNERS fighting to stop development on the westend’s Otago Lane are bracing themselves for a further battle...
16/11/11
We have now received and uploaded the Design Statement Addendum onto the Plans page of this website.
14/11/11
We have now received and uploaded the most recent version of the plans relating to the development. These can be viewed and downloaded from the Plans page of this website.
10/11/11
After months of nothing happening we have now received a new neighbour notification regarding the development front back.
10/02/11
MAST Architects LLP and Friends of Glasgow West have produced an excellent Conservation Area Appraisal of Otago Lane and this can now be downloaded from here. The Conservation Area Appraisal is not only a very interesting read, it also contains some information that can be used in your objection letters to the GCC.
10/02/11
OLCA would like to ask that you copy us in to any objections that you send to GCC in order that we can keep a running total. Many of the objections received by GCC to the previous application were mysteriously absent when it came to the final count, we want to make sure that this doesn't happen this time...
08/02/11
We have now received and uploaded the most recent version of the plans relating to the development. These can be viewed and downloaded from the Plans page of this website.
08/02/11
The Neighbour Notification Notice came in this morning. The most important information to take from this is that the new reference number is: 10/03061/DC and the closing date for any objections is: 04 March 2011 at the very latest. The notification letter itself can be viewed here
March 2019: Urgent call to action - again!
There's a new development application threatening Otago Lane!
There is a new development application (19/00592/FUL) with a closing date of 12th April 2019. We would be really grateful if you could please send a new letter with the revised development application reference to: [email protected]
For up to date information, details of our objections and concerns and templates, please follow our Facebook page or contact us directly on: [email protected]
According to the developers' own words in the new planning application, the most recent development that was granted in 2015 (15/02781/DC) cannot be built, citing "buildability issues" due to its location on the river bank and objections from SEPA.
SEPA objections are based on the increased flood risk caused by the development.
Works to prepare the ground dor building which involved the removal of trees which form part of a habitat that supports protected spieces, such as otters and bats, was done by the developers, Queensberry Properties, concluded they could not build, meaning the work was carried out without good reason and without relation to development 15/02781/DC.
Because of this, there is no acceptable mitigation strategy for the loss of trees and habitat (See SG7 of the adopted City Plan).
The developers appear to have deliverately misled the public, threatening to build the 2015 development if their new application is not granted. This work has caused a loss of habitat connectivity (SG7 5.2) and increased the flood risk and risks of landslides into the Kelvin River.
The 'stop order' issued by Glasgow City Council, which was in place for a month from 16 January, should therefore have been extended. However, it appears the GCC did not take sufficient account of the flood risk despite SEPAs objections.
WE NEED EVERYONE TO ACT AGAIN NOW!
As this is moving fairly quickly, please follow the Facebook page for up to date information.
If you would like to help fund a legal battle to help save the Kelvin Wildlife corridor, please look at the related Go Fund Me page.
December 2012: Threat to North Kelvin Meadow
The campaign to save North Kelvin Meadow has reached a crucial stage.
Objections to this proposal are urgently needed by the end of this year - deadline is the 1st of January or the 5th January for neighbours.
Read more about this at the campaign website.
Please make sure you include the planning reference number: 12/00924/DC.
November 2012: Kelvin Wildlife Corridor Threatened by Development
Developer Hugh Scott has now applied for the Kelvin River Wildlife/Green corridor to be repealed.
Under his company, Highlander House, the developer has submitted proposals to GCC to end the Kelvin River wildlife corridor, which runs along the river bank linking Kelvingrove Park to the Botanic Gardens.
Recently Labour councilors on the council's planning applications committee voted unanimously to grant plans to build an unprecedentedly large building complex on Otago Lane. Residents and business owners have been exploring legal options so as to challenge the decision. Amongst a myriad of breaches of protocol and planning policy it appears the designated corridor was completely ignored as an issue in the report to the planning committee, along with the relevant rules protecting green space. This provides strong grounds for taking the decision to grant to judicial review. We believe that the developer plans to neutralize this as an issue by proposing the annulment of the wildlife corridor, another backdoor tactic. As we know from experience, the DRS cannot be relied upon to protect the heritage and wildlife of this city. We need your support now to object to this proposal, to protect the environment and Otago Lane.
Please show you object by sending letters and or emails. Remember to include:
• Your name
• Postal and email address
• The proposal's designated number: PROP0049
• The grounds on which your comments are based (e.g. Scottish Planning Policy 11) see below for relevant environmental policies links:
http://glasgow.gov.uk/.../Environment/ENV01.htm
http://glasgow.gov.uk/.../Environment/ENV08.htm
http://glasgow.gov.uk/.../Environment/ENV17.htm
A sample letter can be found here, to help you draft your own.
Please send your letter to:
Development Plan Team, D.R.S., GlasgowCity Council, 231 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1RX
Or email: [email protected]
DEADLINE 7TH DEC
For more info please see the council consultation document link:
http://glasgow.gov.uk/.../MIRadditionalsites.pdf
We'll keep you informed of any further information either here or on the Facebook page.
29 August 2012: Glasgow City Council Grants Application...
Glasgow City Council has today ignored its own planning regulations and 1,000s of objections to grant permission to the Otago Lane development.
Residents and traders of Otago lane are saddened and sickened by the decision to grant the building of 49 dwellings in Otago Lane.
This morning councilors on the Planning Applications Committee visited the lane in order to view the site of the proposed development. It was hoped that this visit would be more comprehensive, however the committee decided inexplicably to not view parts which will be among the areas most affected by the proposed development, namely the community garden, the wildlife corridor and the tea house, Tchai-Ovna.
Residents and traders on the lane have been campaigning against proposals to build on the lane for over 3 years, with large and widespread support from the public. The proposals are to build a large housing development of 45 flats and 4 townhouses in blocks rising to 8 storeys. These proposals represent a significant departure from the city plan, ignoring important regulations which have been formulated through extensive consultation with statutory bodies, such as Hillhead Community Council in order to protect the historic fabric of the city and to inhibit inappropriate development in scale and character. The Scottish Executive requires that any departure from the City Plan must be based on material grounds. This important procedural point was completely disregarded by the planning committee in their decision to grant approval.
Over the years, whilst the number of proposed dwellings decreased from 163 to 49, the size of the dwellings increased, meaning the impact of this latest plan will be just as damaging to the Kelvin River wildlife corridor, the community and business.
Over 200 concerned members of the public flocked to Otago Lane for 9am, usually quiet at this time, to show their support for the community through drinking tea, browsing records and reading books. Dozens of volunteers have worked hard over the past 12 years to enhance the community garden and make improvements to the lane.: all this was ignored by committee members, who went on to vote to grant the application.
The Planning Applications Committee went on to the City Chambers directly after the visit. The 3 hour meeting saw all 4 Hillhead ward councilors make objections to the plan as well as representatives of Hillhead Community Council and Otago Lane Community Association. However, despite this and the unprecedented number of objections received by members of the public, our elected members chose to ignore the stated objections of those who they claim to represent. 9 Labour councilors voted to grant the application, and 6 non-Labour councilors objected. There was one abstention.
While there is no procedure in place to allow third party right of appeal, we at the Save Otago Lane campaign will exhaust any avenue to try to have this farcical decision overturned.
We'll keep you informed of any further information either here or on the Facebook page.
Update - Site Visit and Hearing Date: 29 August 2012...
There has now been a date set for the decision on Otago Lane. There will be site visit to Otago Lane by the planning application committee on 29th August 2012 (anticipated between 9:00-11:00am) and this will be followed immediately by the committee meeting at which the fate of Otago Lane will be determined.
We'll keep you informed of any further information either here or on the Facebook page.
Update - Planning decision deferred (12-06-12)...
The Planning Application Committee agreed to defer their judgement on Otago Lane to allow time for a site visit. We have not yet had a date confirmed for the visit, but it is likely to be in August 2012. It is anticipated that this will happen on the same day as the planning committee decision.
As soon as we know a date we will let you know here and on the Facebook page.
Thanks again for your continued support.
Update - Planning Hearing Date for 12 June 2012...
There has finally been a date set for the planning committee to decide on the fate of Otago Lane. We have been informed by DRS that the planning committee meeting at Glasgow City Chambers on 12 June 2012 will include consideration of the Otago Lane development proposal.
OLCA will be meeting over the next couple of days to plan our next actions, and we anticipate that there will be a demonstration at the Glasgow City Chambers on the day. If you would like to be involved, please contact us by email.
Update - DRS Recommend Approval of Plans...
As we have anticipated all along, despite the long list of points that are contrary to the City Plan and the massive public feeling against this development, Glasgow City Council DRS have recommended that the application for development of Otago Lane should be approved by the Planning Application Committee.
The recommendation paper can be viewed here.
The wording of the paper shows the ridiculous nature of the process of consultation and representations (objections) as each and every point of objection has been twisted to favour the developer, even where they are against the City Plan and DRS' own policies...!.
We still believe that our elected councillors will do the right thing in rejecting this ridiculous proposal, but we now have a further fight on our hands. Please keep your eyes on this website and the Facebook page for further information as we get it.
Update - New Plans Available (14-11-11)...
We have now received and uploaded the most recent version of the plans relating to the development. These can be viewed and downloaded from the Plans page of this website.
Update - Here we go again (10-11-11)...
After months of nothing happening we have now received a new neighbour notification regarding the development front back.
As you will see this has been submitted under the same reference number as the previous application 10/03061/DC. We understand this to mean that there are few (if any) changes to the previous set of plans, however, we will be applying to the DRS to have a full set available via this website.
A few of us from OLCA went to DRS to view the plans today, but they were unavailable and no-one could tell us why! Because of this, we requested an extension to the deadline but were declined, making the deadline for objections 05 December 2011.
We also checked the online files for previous objections that may be considered for this new application and most of the objections are strangely absent from the 'official' records. So, we'd be grateful if you could please resend (or revise and resend) your objections prior to the deadline to help make sure your objection to this ridiculous proposal is heard.
Thanks again for your help.
Update - New plans available to view...
We have now received and uploaded the most recent version of the plans relating to the development. These can be viewed and downloaded from the Plans page of this website.
The new reference number is: 10/03061/DC
The closing date for objections is: 11 March 2011
You can inspect the full printed documentation (including application form, plans and other documents) submitted for the application at Development and Regeneration Services, 229 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1QU. The DRS office is open from 9:00am-5:00pm Monday to Thursday and 9:00am-4:00pm Friday (excluding public holidays).
Updated - New Threat to Otago Lane...
Happy New Year everybody.
The new year starts with some good news, and I'm afraid some bad news. After months of no actions to report on the Save Otago Lane campaign, we have finally something to report. We received the following email via the DRS:
"The application for the residential development at Otago Street / Otago Lane (10/01128/DC) has been formally withdrawn by the applicants, along with the application for Conservation Area Consent to demolish part of the block fronting onto Otago Street. The proposed development included the refurbishment of the 48 flats fronting onto Otago Street and the erection of 94 new flats on either side of Otago Lane and fronting onto the River Kelvin. It also included 6 commercial units".
"A new application for planning permission has been submitted which is for a total of 45 flats and four townhouses. There are no commercial units proposed. The new application is yet to be validated but once it is neighbour notification will be carried out along with all necessary publicity".
While it is undoubtedly good news that the planning application has been withdrawn, the new application has still to be seen. It also appears to minimise the disruption to the residents of Otago Street, which again is good news.
The total of 45 flats and 4 townhouses means that the new application does not have to go through a formal consultation process (the minimum being 50 dwellings). This means that it is likely that we will have just 21 days to object to the new application, and that any representations/objections you have already sent will not be counted.
We'll keep you updated as soon as we know anything... (Updated 24-01-11)
Otago Lane, Glasgow is under threat...
Help us to save Otago Lane from a massive proposed development that will change the character and feel of the area and result in loss of parking, green space/trees, privacy and possibly Tchai Ovna.
As i'm sure you are all aware, Otago Lane is a beautiful West End conservation area with unique independant shops, a small parking area and a charming Mews building.
All this is currently under threat, as a local developer has submitted plans to put up four blocks of flats of up to 9 storeys high and 6 commercial units.
Not only will this irrevocably change the look and feel of the area, especially as it will be highly visible from across the River Kelvin at Gibson street and Great Western Road, but may put the futures of the independant retailers at risk.
Currently we have a great selection of small shops, Voltaire and Rousseau (which is regularly used as a filming location), Mixed up Records, Ken Chapelle clock repair, Restore-it and of course Tchai Ovna.
We need your help to ensure that this wonderful bohemian historic lane is protected from the ravages of the developers.
Help us to keep fighting, please donate to our fund...
As you can see from this website and all the recent News the campaign to Save Otago Lane is going well.
The Save Otago Lane campaign and Otago Lane Community Association is aiming to provide sufficient material evidence to the GCC planning department that they have to reject this ridiculous development.
Unfortunately, it costs money to gain expert help and to maintain a 'fighting fund' for the incidental expenses of the campaign. We are therefore entirely dependant on the goodwill of those involved in the campaign to use their own funds to support the campaign.
If you would like to make a donation using your debit or credit card then please give generously via the Paypal 'Donate' button on the left hand side of this page.
Opposition (smear) campaign begins...
We became aware of a piece of propaganda that had been distributed around Otago Street and the surrounding area (although, surprisingly not to anyone in Otago Lane or 65-77 Otago Street). The A4 page is entitled “Otago Street Development – the truth behind the lies!” and is produced by someone calling themselves ‘Otago Friends Unite’, although they have not provided any contact information and I cannot find any reference to them online.
I have devoted a page to this document where I have posted it in it’s original form and have given a brief response from OLCA. You can find the page here.