PLANS to make a new part of the West End a conservation area have gone out to public consultation.

At the same time the city council is considering a housing project for the southside of the city which would target people over the age of 55.

The conservation area designation means most changes to homes, including replacement windows, re-roofing, extensions and installation of satellite dishes would require planning permission.

The move, spanning the Broomhill area, follows requests from local councillors and residents.

The planned boundary of the conservation area mainly focuses around Broomhill Cross and extends north, west and south to include streets of villas, terraces, tenement blocks, public buildings and open spaces.

Liz Cameron, the city council's jobs and economy spokeswoman, said: "Broomhill is an area of Glasgow with many examples of fine architecture, and this is just one reason why it is being considered for conservation area status.

"I would urge everyone with an interest in the area to participate - whether online, looking at the plans in person, or coming to the public meeting - to ensure their views are known."

The Broomhill conservation area appraisal consultative draft is available to view online at www.glasgow.gov.uk with paper copies at Whiteinch Library and the city council offices at 229 George Street.

A public meeting to explain the implications and get the views of local people will take place on Wednesday, March 11 at 7pm at Broomhill Primary School.

A comments form is available online and all representations should be emailed to appraisal@drs.glasgow.gov.uk or posted to City Design Group, DRS, Glasgow City Council, 231 George Street, Glasgow G1 1QU. Comments should be received by Monday, March 30.

Meanwhile the first housing project of its kind in Scotland could be built on a site in the south of the city.

It would involve up to 25 private flats which could only be purchased by individuals or couples aged 55 and over.

They would be environmentally friendly and clustered round a shared communal living space allowing residents to socialise easily. All the interiors and exteriors will be designed to meet the needs of people as they get older.

Pennington CoHousing, which hopes to build on a site at St Andrew's Drive in Pollokshields, aims to provide an alternative to the isolation and loneliness experienced by so many older people.

It is based on a Danish scheme where space, care and responsibility are shared by all the residents.

The developer is recruiting new members aged 55 plus to join the new community and is holding regular meetings and presentations about the project.

Founder member Ann MacInnes said: "The beauty of the Penington CoHousing project is that all the members will work together on the design and build.

"Once it is complete we will live collectively, share the responsibility and the costs of running our own homes and look out for each other.

"It is a wonderful alternative to sheltered housing and gated communities.

"For us, this is the beginning of an independent-living oldies movement."

For more information and meeting dates go to www.pencohousing.org.uk.