Save

Why does Otago Lane need saving?

Firstly, we love it’s bohemian uniqueness. It is a tranquil gem in the hustle of the West End.

But that alone is no barrier to development. There are a long list of material objections as to why this proposal is a very bad idea – bullet points below, and in this form letter.

• Loss of light or overshadowing:
• Visual amenity
• Adequacy of parking
• Safety
• Traffic generation
• Loss of trees
• Effect on conservation area
• Layout and density of building
• Design, appearance and materials
• Landscaping
• Road access
• Proposals in the Development Plan
• Prevention of crime and disorder
• City Plan Policy Principles

The principal City Plan policy objections we have are contained in Glasgow City Council’s own City Plan 2, RES 6. The stated aim of this policy 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".

The policy goes on to state criteria against which any proposals for residential development in lanes are required to meet, these include the following absolute requirements:

"the scale and massing should be in the style of mews housing, up to a maximum height of 2-storeys, or 2-storeys with dormers in lanes with no mews houses"

"existing formal parking provision for residents of adjacent buildings, which is removed as a result of the development, must be replaced"

"houses should have pitched roofs, clad in slate, with gable ends"

Obviously, the developer is attempting to ignore these policies, and his ‘Consultation Partners’ and Architect have stated during consulation that they are of the view that this policy should not apply to this site.

It remains to be seen whether Glasgow City Council is willing to stand by it’s own policies and reject this ridiculous proposal.