THOUSANDS of people have objected to plans for a new housing development in Maryhill.

Spectrum Properties has applied for permission to convert the former primary school in Shakespeare Street to 29 flats and to build a further 56 flats in two blocks.

But the move has resulted in 194 letters of objections and two petitions against the new flats signed by more than 2600 people.

They are unhappy at what they regard as the loss of public open space, the design of the new blocks which has been described as brutal and like prison blocks and the loss of trees.

Objectors include three city councillors, MSP Bob Doris, MP Patrick Grady, Shakespeare Street Youth Club, East Park School and West End Nursery.

However city planners have recommended the scheme, which incorporates the school, a brownfield site and an area of public open space, should get the go-ahead.

The four storey sandstone school building was completed in 1915 is unlisted but is considered as a fine example of early 20th century civic architecture.

It was last used by the council as an adult training centre but has been vacant since 2012 and is on the buildings at risk register.

The school is on an area of land owned by the city council which was previously occupied by a quarry, a brick works and mine shafts.

Planners say the brownfield site has no clear function and its unkempt appearance blights nearby Hathaway Street.

A report to councillors says the developer plans to refurbish the school replacing windows on a like-for-like basis with double glazed units and doors in the style of the original.

Redeveloping the site would result in the loss of 10 existing trees but they will be replaced with 42 new trees and 12 apple trees which will make up an orchard.

A new civic space will be created at the corner of Shakespeare Street and Shanks Street which will be the new home for the elephant statues in the area which have become a local landmark.

The report says: “While the overall amount of open space has reduced from 2260sq m to 1440sq m, the proposed spaces are better located and designed than the existing space.”

Because of the loss of open space, the council will have to send details to Scottish Government Ministers for their consideration before making a decision on the planning application.