News…
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.
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.
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.
13/06/12
13 June 2012 – Evening Times
Protesters win a delay in project
A DECISION on whether to allow homes to be built in a West End lane has been delayed to allow councillors to visit the site. Members of the city council’s planning committee had been due to consider a move to build four townhouses and 45 flats in Otago Lane which backs on to the River Kelvin… more.
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…
12/06/12
12 June 2012 – The Herald
Thousands object to city lane project
THOUSANDS of people have objected to plans for a housing development in a historic lane. Councillors are today due to consider a move to build four townhouses and 45 flats in Otago Lane in the west end of Glasgow… more.
06/06/12
OLCA is organising a demonstration on George Square at 10:30am on Tuesday 12th June. The council are meeting on this day and we have to show that we are all still concerned about the proposals to build on Otago Lane. Please come along and bring an instrument if you have one…!
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.
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.
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.
A company owned by Glasgow’s biggest developer Hugh Scott has lodged plans for 49 homes in four large blocks on Otago Lane, after twice withdrawing plans following pressure from local residents and businesses… more.
17/11/11
17 November 2011 – The Extra
CAMPAIGNERS fighting to stop development on the westend’s Otago Lane are bracing themselves for a further battle. Otago Street Developments, the company planning to build houses on the lane, has resubmitted proposals to Glasgow city council which, campaigners claim are not significantly different from its previous submission… more.
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.
13/11/11
Meeting of Otago Lane Community Association (OLCA) to discuss the latest plans of the developer.
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.
04/03/11
Due to a problem with my ISP, I’ve had no internet connection for the last 3-weeks (since 11/02/11). That didn’t help us a lot in the final few weeks of the Otago Lane campaign, but I hope you have been keeping an eye on the Facebook page to keep up to date with everything. Bleeding typical…!
The main things that have changed that you need to be aware of are as follows:
The deadline for objections has been extended to 11 March 2011
We are having another demonstration in the lane from 2pm on Saturday 05 March 2011 – please come along and support the cause, we need as many people as possible to attend to help raise the awareness in the last few days before the objections deadline…
I’ll update the website with anything that has happened since my last update on 11/02/11 over the course of the weekend.
Thanks for your patience
11/02/11
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…
09/02/11
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
24/01/11
One of the local councillors has now seen the revised plans and, as we expected, there are hardly any changes to the original plans for Otago Lane. All of the blocks are still to be built, they are just about a storey lower.
So, please keep your eyes peeled to this site, we will keep it updated with any news and will aim to have some images of the new plans as soon as they are available. I hope you will be able and willing to again object to this development of Otago Lane.
24/01/11
24 January 2011 – STV News at six (Glasgow & West)
A brief segment on the updated proposals to develop Otago Lane was broadcast on the STC News at Six. Martin Fell from Tchai Ovna and Peter Ashby from Mixed-Up Records were interviewed. The Otago Lane piece starts at 15:54 into the programme… more.
24/01/11
24 January 2011 – Evening Times
A controversial plan for a multi-million pound housing development in a historic part of Glasgow’s west end has been withdrawn after months of campaigning by residents. But developers have submitted fresh proposals for a development at Otago Street and Otago Lane, which will require less stringent planning scrutiny… more.
24/01/11
24 January 2011 – The Herald
A controversial plan for a multimillion-pound housing development in a historic part of Glasgow’s west end has been withdrawn after months of campaigning by residents. But developers have submitted fresh proposals for a development at Otago Street and Otago Lane, which will require less stringent planning scrutiny. more.
24/01/11
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…
26/10/10
Subcity Radio: Report // Otago Lane Protest Marches On
Last Saturday, hundreds of people, including students, local residents and politicians, turned out for a march in protest against the planned redevelopment to Otago Lane… more.
21/10/10
Evening Times article published ‘Campaigners take lane row to Holyrood’…
19/10/10
Article about Saturdays ‘Save Our Lane’ demonstration published on Glasswerk.co.uk
19/10/10
MAST Acthitects and Friends of Glasgow West completed the Conservation Appraisal and delivered 2 copies to DRS a week ago. Thanks especially to Iain Wotherspoon of FGW for researching the historical section. MAST Architects have held their costs down, and Save Otago Lane Campaign is close to raising the full amount to pay for this.
Having said this, we do still have some outstanding costs to pay so if you can, please give generously via the Paypal Donate button on the left of the page…
18/10/10
An excellent set of photographs from Saturday’s ‘Save Our Lane’ demonstration published on ‘A Glasgow Album’ blog
17/10/10
Yesterday’s march was a great succes…
The weather held out as a lovely, crisp autumn day, the turnout was amazing with an excellent mix of age groups and there was a great atmosphere for the whole event with a good positive reaction from the general public along the way.
We would like to say a big thank you to everyone who came along to join us on a fab day…!
We would like to make a special thank you to those who helped with preparations for the march, the musicians, the politicians and councillors, the stewards, and the police for helping to make sure the day went so smoothly.
We have been debating amongst ourselves as to how many people were there, we know we handed out 180 stickers before the march set-off and we estimate that about two-thirds of the marchers had a sticker by the time we got to Byres Road. So, we are taking a best guess of about 250-ish demonstrators… Not too bad at all…!
THANK YOU…
16/10/10
Come join us on today at 2pm-4pm for a march from Otago Lane, round to Byres Road, Ruthven Lane, Ashton Lane, Cresswell Lane and then back again, to help highlight the plight of Otago Lane and the other historic lanes in Glasgows West End.
There will be talks from Pauline McNeill (Labour), Sandra White (SNP), Katy Gordon (Lib Dem) and Patrick Harvie (Green) along the route to show the cross-party concern and support for this campaign… more
13/10/10
Press release for Saturday’s demonstration: here
12/10/10
Come join us on Saturday the 16th at 2pm-4pm for a march from Otago Lane, round to Byres Road, Ruthven Lane, Ashton Lane, Cresswell Lane and then back again, to help highlight the plight of Otago Lane and the other historic lanes in Glasgows West End.
Prizes for the best banners! Wrap up warm (and colourfully)…this is Glasgow in October after all… more
11/10/10
Glasswerk National article: ‘Save Our Lane!’ is a campaign determined to save the independence of Otago Lane, Glasgow. The lane is a small cobbled street in the west end of the city and plays host to a variety of small businesses such as bookshop Voltaire & Rousseau, Mixed Up Records and the Tchi-Ovna tea shop, all of which are facing closure in order to accommodate a new 163 apartment venture’… more
06/10/10
Scottish Parliament – Business Bulletin No. 146/2010: Wednesday 6 October 2010
*S3M-7159 Patrick Harvie: Otago Lane Environmental Impact Assessment—That the Parliament notes the submission from Woodlands and Park Community Council (WPCC) to the Scottish Government, which raises the lack of an environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the proposed residential development at 65-77 Otago Street and Otago Lane, Glasgow; understands that the site is within both a green corridor and a conservation area and therefore considers that an EIA is imperative; shares the WPCC’s view that the assessment made by the consultant on the size of the development and its impact on the area is contradictory, contains ambiguous language and fails to demonstrate that an EIA is not needed; is concerned that the issues of flooding, drainage, water quality and the development’s impact on wildlife have not been adequately addressed; urges the planning committee at Glasgow City Council not to accept the developer’s argument that an EIA is not necessary, and calls on the Scottish Government to provide a sympathetic and timely response to WPCC’s concerns.
Supported by: Pauline McNeill*
24/09/10
Congratulations to Tchai Ovna for winning the award for Best Cup of Tea at first ever Love Glasgow and the West Awards…
23/09/10
Evening Times article published ‘Opera Singer voices fears over West End lane plan’…
31/08/10
Save Our Lane Presentation. Find out more about the campaign to save Otago Lane, its environment and history: 7.30pm 8th September 2010, Tchai-Ovna 42 Otago Lane: Flyer
30/08/10
After nothing much happening for the last couple of months, we have been made aware that the GCC Planning Department have now set the 16th September 2010 as a target date for the hearing to decide upon the development application.
As this is just a target we have limited information to pass on to you, however, we’d be grateful if you would keep an eye on this website over the next few weeks / months to see if there is any further information to pass on. We have a few ideas to keep people in the loop, and will advertise here first…
05/08/10
Local News Glasgow article ‘Dear Green Place?’ published
23/07/10
The Otago Lane Campaign (in conjunction with OLCA) will be presenting a short slide presentation today at 2pm at the Glasgow CCA on Sauchiehall Street. The presentation covers the history and environment of the lane, along with an update on the campaign to date. Presentation
16/07/10
The Save Otago Lane have been invited to the Glasgow CCA on Sauchiehall Street next Friday 23rd July 2010 to give a short presentation on Otago Lane, it’s history and environment, along with an update on the campaign to date.
17/06/10
Just as we thought the time for immediate action was going to be over following the deadline for objections yesterday, indirectly we have another reason and chance to object to this development.
The developer has put in another plannng application relating to the site, this time to demolish the existing block of flats at 77 Otago Street (ie. the one on the corner of Otago Street and Otago Lane).
The details are as follows:
Application number:
| Application Number : | 10/01254/DC |
| Applicant: | Otago Street Developments Ltd |
| Address: | 77 Otago Street |
| Application Type: | Conservation Area Consent |
| Proposal: | Demolition of block of residential flats in relation to proposed new residential and commercial development. |
A copy of the application submitted may be INSPECTED Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm and Friday 9am to 4pm inclusive (public holidays excluded) at: Development and Regeneration Services (Development Management), 229 George Street, Glasgow G1 1QU
Any objections should be sent to Development and Regeneration Services (Development Management), 229 George Street, Glasgow G1 1QU or emailed to: [email protected]
Objections must be recieved no later than 21 days from 11th June 2010 – ie, 2nd July 2010 – at the very latest!
Points to make:
- It is a building in use which does not qualify under any structural reasons for demolition.
- You object to the proposal to widen the lane, which is the reason for demoliton
- There is currently no approved application that is suitable to warrant the demolition of an existing (recently completed) development
- You object to the shop/office and the proposed replacement of 77 Otago Street, which is the subject of a separate application directly connected with this application to demolish.
- A number of the residents of this block are vulnerable people who will be removed from their homes to make way for the demolition.
And any others you can think of…
I will publish more information once I have had an opportunity to view the plans.
17/06/10
Evening Times article ‘Protests over bid to flatten flats in lane’ published
16/06/10
Save Otago Lane article published on Secret Scotland site
16/06/10
Today is the final day to get your objection letters in, please make sure that your letter is received by the planning department no later than 5pm this evening. Further details of where to send your letter can be found on the ‘What You Can Do To Help’ page…
16/06/10
I have now sent in my (rather lengthy) letter of objection to the development. If you would like to read it for any ideas, or to copy and paste elements into your own objection letter, this can be viewed by clicking here…
15/06/10
The BBC News online article ‘Plans for Glasgow’s Otago Lane opposed’ published …
13/06/10
We now have only 3 days left to get those objection letters in. Please check out the ‘what you can do’ page for more information…
13/06/10
If you want to send in an objection but don’t have the time, I have uploaded an updated form letter here. All you need to do is fill in your name and address and sign and date it – and most importantly – send it in!
It would be better if you can write your own, but this would still help us a lot…
13/06/10
Thanks to everyone who helped out and attended the Save Otago Lane – West End Parade Awareness Campaign today. The turn out was excellent, so thanks to everyone for your support and all those lovely letters…!
13/06/10
SAVE OTAGO LANE – West End Parade Awareness Campaign.
| Date: |
Sunday, 13 June 2010
|
| Time: |
11:30 – 17:00
|
| Location: |
Tchai-Ovna, Otago Lane
|
Dress in Otago Lane related costume, or just colourfully – clocks, tea pots, records and books come to mind – any combination and any imaginative additions welcome. We are working to raise awareness of the Save Otago Lane campaign, distributing information and collecting filled in formula letters to send to the Planning Authorities.
Moving to Kelvingrove park from 12.30pm
13/06/10
Short interview with Chair of the Otago Lane Community Association (OLCA) discussing the development proposal broadcast at 11am on Radio Clyde.
12/06/10
Chair of OLCA interviewed by Radio Clyde regarding the development proposal.
09/06/10
SAVE OTAGO LANE – West End Parade Awareness Campaign.
| Date: |
Sunday, 13 June 2010
|
| Time: |
11:30 – 17:00
|
| Location: |
Tchai-Ovna, Otago Lane
|
Dress in Otago Lane related costume, or just colourfully – clocks, tea pots, records and books come to mind – any combination and any imaginative additions welcome. We are working to raise awareness of the Save Otago Lane campaign, distributing information and collecting filled in formula letters to send to the Planning Authorities.
Moving to Kelvingrove park from 12.30pm
08/06/10
Meeting of Otago Lane Community Association (OLCA) to discuss the latest plans of the developer.
05/06/10
I understand a letter went out regarding the Otago Lane development with the deadline date for objections stated as the 16th July. I’m afraid to confirm that this is incorrect, the deadline for objections is unchanged as 16th June.
Please ensure that your objection letters are received no later tham 16th June or they may be disregarded by GCC planning department. It is essential that your objections are material and that you include your name and address on the letter. Please see the ‘What you can do to help’ page for further information.
05/06/10
We made a bit of a mistake in one of the flyers we sent out during the course of the week, we put the application reference to the original submission that was withdrawn last year.
The correct reference is: 10/01128/DC
Please ensure that this is the reference you use when you send in your objection letter..
26/05/10
The Herald article ‘Hundreds lodge objections to lane development plans’ published
25/05/10
Evening Times article ‘700 say leave us a-lane…’ published
22/05/10
Neighbour notification letter arrived this morning: front back
22/05/10
I have added the following items to the page with details of the plans:
– Summary of Consultation Issues
– New Sketch of Lane from East
– New Sketch Perspective from East Bank of Kelvin
21/05/10
I have been made aware that Glasgow City Council have considered that an Environmental Impact Assessment is not required for the Otago Lane development proposal. Further details can be found here.
21/05/10
You might have noticed that there have been no updates to the Save Otago Lane website for quite a while now, this was because ..well.. there was nothing to update.
Unfortunately, this is no longer the case. The revised planning application has been submitted and is valid from 18/05/10. The reference number is 10/01128/DC, relating to ‘Site at 65-77 Otago Street, Glasgow’. The plans can be viewed at 229 George Street.
Any objections/representations must be received before 16/06/10.
It’s now time to get those letters in again! If you have already sent a letter about the previous application it will be ignored. Please update your letter, making sure that any points are material and that you use the new reference number and send it in…
I will post any further information as soon as I get it.
13/03/10
Katy Gordon – MPs, MSPs and delegates at last weekend’s Liberal Democrat Scottish Conference have backed the local community’s fight to save the lane…
12/03/10
Letter of support sent to local residents by Ann McKechin MP.
08/03/10
Lib Dem press release: Save Otago Lane Campaign receives boost from Lib Dems. Attached photo.
04/03/10
Tom Shields article ‘Leave the lane alane’ published in The Herald.
04/03/10
The Glaswegian article ‘Protest against Otago Lane development steps up a gear’ published
02/03/10
Katy Gordon – The campaign is going from strength to strength – in the last week, Scottish Lib Dem Leader Tavish Scott and Charles Kennedy MP have both come to Otago Lane to give their support.
01/03/10
Evening Times article ‘Hundreds join protest to save West End lane’ published
01/03/10
The Skinny – Duncan Reid eulogises Glasgow’s beloved West End boho hodge-podge Otago Lane, as the threat of development hangs over it…
01/03/10
Daily Record article ‘Lane may it continue’ published (link missing):
A CAMPAIGN has been launched to save a Glasgow landmark from being transformed into a modern housing complex.
Otago Lane – considered one of the city’s hidden treasures – is being threatened by a development of 163 flats.
The future of independent firms on the backstreet, such as Tchai-Ovna Tea House and Mixed Up Records, could be in jeopardy.
Locals are urging Glasgow City Council to bin plans for the site close to the River Kelvin off the west end’s Otago Street.
28/02/10
Sunday Herald article ‘Cross-party support for lane fight’ published
28/02/10
Yesterday’s ‘gathering’ was a great success! Thanks to all of you brave souls who ventured out to help us with this campaign. We anticipate a wee bit of press coverage over the next few days, so please keep your eyes out on this site. As always, if I miss something that you feel should be mentioned or linked here, please let me know here.
27/02/10
Photo of the prize-winner for the best sign competition at the Save Otago Lane demo – Photograph by Francis Lopez
27/02/10
At 12pm, there will be a gathering in Otago Lane with the intention of trying to show how the lane would look if the 244 potential new residents were all here at the same time…
24/02/10
The Glaswegian article ‘Campaigners win political support in bid to save historic Otago Lane’ published.
24/02/10
Evening Times article ‘Lane plan snub for traders’ published.
24/02/10
Katy Gordon – On Tuesday, Scottish Lib Dem Leader Tavish Scott joined Katy outside Tchai-Ovna tea house for a taste of what things might be like if the proposed housing development on Otago Lane goes ahead.
21/02/10
I have uploaded copies of the presentation boards detailing the (minor) changes the developer has made to the plans during the 3-month ‘community consulation’ period here – expect to be underwhelmed…
20/02/10
A short notice OLCA meeting was convened to start to mobilise again against the development proposal. Please keep an eye on this website and the Facebook fan and group sites over the next few weeks in case there is any news…
19/02/10
A mini protest formed in Otago Lane despite the freezing cold. A reporter and photographer was present to witness the event, so hopefully there will be another round of publicity to come.
17/02/10
Streets-UK presented a few boards on the revised plans to Otago Lane Community Association meeting. Similar to the Community Council meetings on 10th & 11th Feb, the plans were not well received mainly due to the fact that they are virtually unchanged in any meaningful way.
The developer is continuing to press ahead with their plans despite this being contrary to the City Plan (and in particular RES 6 Page 12). This means that effectively, you can dust off your original objection letters and send them in again once the new application is lodged. We are expecting this within the next few weeks.
A summary of the changes can be viewed here.
15/02/10
A quick reminder to all of you who signed-up to the Save Otago Lane Facebook Group: please could you remember to register with the new Facebook Fan page.
This is because we have over 5,000 members on the ‘Group’ page, and so can’t message you when there is an important update – we promise we won’t spam you with constant messages, we just want to be able to let you know any significant updates and when it is time to start getting your objection letters in again…!
If you register as a ‘Fan’, please could you then delete yourself from the old Group page.
11/02/10
Streets-UK presented a few boards on the revised plans to the Hillhead Community Council meeting. Again, it was considered much the same as the old plans. A summary of the changes can be viewed here.
10/02/10
Streets-UK presented a few boards on the revised plans to the Woodlands and Park Community Council meeting. It would be fair to say that it was considered much the same as the old plans and this was not exactly welcomed by those present. A summary of the changes can be viewed here.
21/01/10
Report on the Otago Lane development by Lindsay Conn for GUST (Glasgow University Student Television) news can be viewed here.
20/01/10
To build a massive city- centre style housing complex in the heart of the west-end? What do you think? Great webpage and video (also on YouTube) by Internet & Digital can be viewed here.
28/12/09
The development and this website gets a mention in the Scotsman ‘Under the Radar’ article here.
18/12/09
The proposed development was reported on An La (News) on BBC ALBA.
29/11/09
OLCA plan to meet again at 7pm on Thursday 03 December. The purpose of this meeting is to draft an action plan in advance of the next development application. If you would like to be involved, please contact us here. We expect that anyone present will be taking some actions following the meeting, so if you come along please come prepared with ideas that you are happy to help carry out…!
26/11/09
A quick reminder to all of you who signed-up to the Save Otago Lane Facebook Group: please could you remember to register with the new Facebook Fan page.
This is because we have over 5,000 members on the ‘Group’ page, and so can’t message you when there is an important update – we promise we won’t spam you with constant messages, we just want to be able to let you know any significant updates and when it is time to start getting your objection letters in again…!
If you register as a ‘Fan’, please could you then delete yourself from the old Group page.
789 people have already registered on the new page in the last 6-days…
25/11/09
Update posted by Katy Gordon: Save Otago Lane – Consultation over development plans.
21/11/09
Thanks to all those hardy folks who turned up on Friday 20th and Saturday 21st at the public exhibition in Hillhead High School – especially those who staged a demonstration outside in the driving rain…!
19/11/09
I’m afraid the Facebook group has become a victim of it’s own success – because there are over 5,000 members we can no longer send messages to anyone. We have now created a ‘Fan’ page on Facebook as this does not have a limit to the number of people you can message.
In order that we can continue to keep people up to date, we have had to take the difficult decision to delete the latest members to take the numbers under the magic 5,000 mark. If you have been deleted, please don’t take it personally – we still really need your help…!
We would be really grateful if everyone register themselves on the ‘Fan’ page instead. This way we can make sure we can keep you up to date with any news about the proposed Otago Lane development. If you register as a ‘Fan’, please could you then delete yourself on the Group.
Please (re)register here.
Thanks again to everyone for your continued support.
15/11/09
New article on Subcity Radio: Save Otago Lane – One of the most treasured spots in Glasgow’s West End is under threat… more.
13/11/09
Pauline McNeill – Blog article: A second application for the re-development of Otago Lane has been submitted by the developer Otago3.ltd. more.
13/11/09
OLCA today received confirmation from Streets-UK that there will be a a public exhibition of the proposals for the Otago Lane / Otago Street development at Hillhead high School at the following times:
4pm – 7pm, Friday 20th November
10am – pm, Saturday 21st November
The advert can be found here.
It would be very useful if you could go along and ask them some ‘difficult’ questions, and let them know very clearly what you think about the development. I wouldn’t want to put words in your mouth, but you could consider the following points when you go along:
- How can you explain the total non-adherance of the proposals to the prescriptions of RES 6 (Page 12) the stated aim of which is "To ensure that development in lanes and gardens does not result in overdevelopment and that residential amenity for existing and future residents is of a high quality".
- Residents of 65-77 Otago Street, some of whom are elderly or infirm, are going to lose their homes. How is this development an enhancement of the community?
- How do you explain the loss of the wildlife corridor, and the fact that the new amenity space being implemented will be for the sole use of the new residents? See ENV 7 (Page 17).
- You plan to make the new development a car free area, how can existing businesses trade with little or no car access? How can residents in need of a car due to disabilities/infirmities remain in their homes?
- In what way will the proposed development add to the character of what is a bohemian area in a conservation area?
- Given the scale, mass and density of the proposed development, how does the developer propose to maintain the amenity of the area for the current residents, businesses and customers of Otago Lane
- Why does the developer consider it appropriate to add a further 2-3 storeys on top of the existing block on Otago Street?
Obviously, these are just a small selection of points but if you are going to leave any comments, please ensure that they are constructive and not solely "this is a crap idea"…! If you want any more information about the development which gives the opposing view to that of the developer, please don’t hesitate to contact OLCA here.
13/11/09
Plans from the (now withdrawn) original application are available in the public domain and as such are now available via this website. Although the original planning application is technically withdrawn, these plans are currently being used unaltered for the community consultation process.
If you would like to have a look at the original plans, the most relevant one is ‘910 Design & Access Statement’. Click here details
12/11/09
The architect ID Partnership and Streets-UK (the developer’s ‘community engagement’ consultant) are meeting with Hillhead Community Council as part of the ongoing pre-application community consultation.
OLCA will again be in attendance. (I’m starting to feel like a stalker…!)
11/11/09
The architect ID Partnership and Streets-UK (the developer’s ‘community engagement’ consultant) are meeting with Woodlands and Park Community Council as part of the ongoing pre-application community consultation. This is a planning requirement on developers that they must engage with affected communities before submitting a planning application, however, they do not, in fact, have any requirement to take any account of concerns raised…
OLCA will be in attendance to make sure that there is a consistant message.
04/11/09
The Facebook group now has over 5900 members!
30/10/09
‘Evening Times’ article ‘Students take part in community clean up’ published.
29/10/09
OLCA are meeting tonight with Streets-UK (a ‘community engagement’ company working for the developer) and the architect ‘ID Partnership’ (responsible for designing the proposed development).
24/10/09
OLCA will be meeting with Streets-UK (a ‘community engagement’ company working for the developer) and the architect ‘ID Partnership’ (assuming they decide to turn up this time!) at 7pm on Thursday 29th October. If you want to be involved or have a question or comment you would like us to raise, please contact us here.
23/10/09
The Facebook group now has over 5800 members!
14/10/09
Petition reachea a wonderful 2000 signatures! Gary Cullen, thank you from all of us in Otago Lane! If you haven’t signed the petition yet, please click on the link at the left of the page.
09/10/09
Meeting between Robert Brown (Liberal Democrat MSP for Glasgow) and the Chair of the Otago Lane Community Association. Robert pledged his support and will be in regular contact with the OLCA going forward.
02/10/09
Firstly, please accept my apologies for the long delay between updates. The reasons are too boring to go into in detail but, needless to say, I have been without a PC for the last few weeks and, of course, no PC means no updates – hence the delay.
So, it’s been an eventful few weeks since I last updated the website on 06/09/09. I have made an attempt to update the ‘News’ page log with the appropriate dates, but apologies if I have missed anything. If I have, let me know and I’ll put it in ASAP.
Kind regards
Iain Steel
28/09/09
‘The Glasgow Guardian’ article ‘The battle for Otago Lane’ published.
26/09/09
Petition reachea a wonderful 1900 signatures! Jack Pearson, thank you from all of us in Otago Lane! If you haven’t signed the petition yet, please click on the link at the left of the page.
25/09/09
Press release by Kelvin MSP Pauline McNeill brands Otago Lane development ‘insanity’.
24/09/09
Inter-community cross-party meeting; including Hillhead Community Council, Woodlands and Park Community Council, Otago Lane Community Association and Friends of Glasgow West, as well as Pauline McNeill MSP, Cllr Martha Wardrop, Cllr Kenneth Elder and a representative of Sandra White MSP.
20/09/09
Opposition campaign begins! We became aware of a piece of propaganda that had been distributed around Otago Street and the surrounding area. 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.
I would also like to make an open invitation to ‘Otago Friends Unite’: If you are indeed friends of Otago Lane or Otago Street it is only right and proper that your opinion is heard along with those of us who object to this development. I would like to invite you to our future OLCA meetings where you would be welcome to submit your opinions to the rest of the community. Should you not wish to do this, as Chair of the OLCA I would be delighted to meet with you to discuss your concerns and will pass these on in full and unedited to the rest of OLCA for consideration and debate.
We at the OLCA embrace transparency and openness in our meetings and would be happy to provide you with a forum to put across your point of view. Please don’t hesitate to contact me here.
17/09/09
‘The List’ article ‘Otago Lane under threat from housing development’ published.
14/09/09
Petition reachea a wonderful 1800 signatures! Mr Anonymous, you mysterious person, thank you from all of us in Otago Lane! If you haven’t signed the petition yet, please click on the link at the left of the page.
12/09/09
Meeting between Katy Gordon (Liberal Democrat PPC for Glasgow North), Kenneth Elder (Liberal Democrat Hillhead Cllr) and members from Otago Lane Community Association.
more.
11/09/09
‘Evening Times’ article ‘Name game blocks lane developer’ published.
10/09/09
Confirmation received that the planning application by Otago Lane Ltd has been deemed invalid due to discrepancies over ownership and, as such, must be withdrawn.
09/09/09
Closing date for representations/objections
08/09/09
Petition reachea a wonderful 1700 signatures! Felix Lanzalaco thank you from all of us in Otago Lane! If you haven’t signed the petition yet, please click on the link at the left of the page.
06/09/09
We now have only 3 days left to get those objection letters in. Please check out the ‘what you can do’ page for more information…
05/09/09
Petition reachea a wonderful 1600 signatures! Paul Mann, thank you from all of us in Otago Lane! If you haven’t signed the petition yet, please click on the link at the left of the page.
04/09/09
The Facebook group now has over 5000 members!
Remember, don’t just join the group – send a letter and/or sign the petition too. If you don’t, your objection will never be seen by the planners…
03/09/09
We now have less than a week to get those objection letters in. Please check out the ‘what you can do’ page for more information.
02/09/09
The Facebook group now has over 4900 members!
Remember, don’t just join the group – send a letter and/or sign the petition too. If you don’t, your objection will never be seen by the planners…
01/09/09
Petition reachea a staggering 1500 signatures! Thank you to Angela Rowbottom, we really do appreciate your support! If you haven’t signed the petition yet, please click on the link at the left of the page.
01/09/09
Apologies to all. Meeting between OLCA and the ID Partnership has had to be cancelled at the request of the OLCA due to unforseen circumstances. This will be rescheduled ASAP. If you want to be involved or have any questions you would like us to raise, please contact us here.
01/09/09
Meeting between OLCA and the ID Partnership. If you want to be involved or have any questions you would like us to raise, please contact us here.
30/08/09
Petition reachea a staggering 1400 signatures! Paul Simmons, we agree with yor sentiments! If you haven’t signed the petition yet, please click on the link at the left of the page.
29/08/09
The Facebook group now has over 4600 members!
Remember, don’t just join the group – send a letter and/or sign the petition too. If you don’t, your objection will never be seen by the planners…
28/08/09
The architect ID Partnership chose not to turn up to to last night’s meeting, stating that they were unwilling to meet with anyone about the Otago Lane development in a public place. We have agreed that the OLCA will meet with them in private (as per their wish), but if you want to be involved or have any questions you would like us to raise, please contact us here.
28/08/09
Petition reachea a staggering 1300 signatures! William Home, thank you! If you haven’t signed the petition yet, please click on the link at the left of the page.
27/08/09
Meeting tonight with Streets-UK (a ‘community engagement’ company working for the developer) and the architect ‘ID Partnership’ (responsible for designing this ridiculous development). If you want to be involved, please contact us here
27/08/09
Petition reachea a wonderful 1200 signatures! Murray Easton, thank you! If you haven’t signed the petition yet, please click on the link at the left of the page.
25/08/09
Petition reachea an amazing 1100 signatures! Mike Petty, thank you! If you haven’t signed the petition yet, please click on the link at the left of the page.
24/08/09
Petition reachea a landmark 1000 signatures! Wow…! Kevin Denny, thank you, thank you, thank you…! If you haven’t signed the petition yet, please click on the link at the left of the page.
24/08/09
The Facebook group now has over 4000 members!
Remember, don’t just join the group – send a letter and/or sign the petition too. If you don’t, your objection will never be seen by the planners…
23/08/09
Interesting blog entry by Philosophical Zombie: Architecture by accountants
23/08/09
Petition reaches 900 signatures! Jennifer McGlone, thank you from all of us at OLCA..! If you haven’t signed the petition yet, please click on the link at the left of the page.
22/08/09
Petition reaches 800 signatures! Raymond Carstairs, you are a star..! If you haven’t signed the petition yet, please click on the link at the left of the page.
22/08/09
First meeting of the Otago Lane Community Association will be held at 2pm in Tchai-Ovna.
21/08/09
The lane is getting a bit of spruce-up. The moss has been power-washed from the front fascia of the mews. Nice…
20/08/09
Website is finally live – but you knew that, you’re here already…
19/08/09
Petition reaches an amazing 650 signatures! Thanks Fiona Campbell, we appreciate your support… If you haven’t signed the petition yet, please click on the link at the left of the page.