THE developer behind a controversial bid to turn a former Castlemilk care home into temporary asylum seeker accommodation is appealing against a council decision to refuse its proposal.

Glasgow councillors will review Mack Residential's application to provide up to 200 rooms at the old Torbrae Care Home when they meet on Tuesday.

It was rejected in June last year when the council ruled the change of use would have a negative impact on the surrounding area due to traffic and noise and would likely cause "unacceptable intensification".

Almost 650 representations were submitted to the council after the plan was submitted, including objections from nearby residents and city councillors.

Concerns included disruption for residents, overcrowding, the impact on healthcare in the area and a lack of facilities in Castlemilk to cope with the demand.

READ MORE: Asylum seeker home plans in Castlemilk rejected

The applicant disputes the need for planning permission, arguing the currently approved class eight use – for residential institutions – would cover asylum accommodation as it is similar to a care home.

However, the city council ruled a home for asylum seekers does not fall under this use.

A statement submitted on behalf of Mack Residential ahead of next week's review, claims "the impacts of the development in respect of noise and traffic would not be significantly different – and potentially very much lower – than an occupant class eight use, for which permission is not required".

It describes the reasons for refusal as "vague and unfounded", stating no objections in relation to traffic were lodged by statutory consultees.

The "potential for disturbance would be increased with the reuse of the property as a care home", the statement adds.

"The generally better physical health of service users relative to previous dementia care home residents would mean a broadly comparable level of supporting services.

"The proposed use is entirely compatible with a characteristically residential area and the perceived intensification is in fact a mere matter of making more efficient use of the generously proportioned accommodation and wider site."

It also stated the proposed number of occupants can be "comfortably accommodated" within the building.

Mears Group, which took over the asylum accommodation contract for Scotland from Serco, was the prospective operator of the site.

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Councillor Kim Long objected to the "speculative" application when it was initially submitted.

"Asylum seekers are among the most vulnerable populations in the city," she said.

"As such they require specialist support, including advocacy, legal support, medical and mental health/trauma care.

"It would not be trauma-informed practice to house 200 people in one place.

"Also of concern is the shortage of access to public services in Castlemilk – recent evidence has shown that health services and other public services are struggling with demand in this part of the city.

"Adding a further 200 people with urgent and extreme need would exacerbate those shortages, and would no doubt be used to generate ill-feeling towards new asylum seekers, which could ignite tensions into racism, hate crime and anti-social behaviour."

Mack Residential previously said it will continue to search for a suitable building.

"This does not diminish the need for a facility in Glasgow," a letter to the council stated. "While the UK continues to attract and accept asylum seekers, the need for a good quality interim accommodation facility providing for the needs of asylum seekers undergoing initial assessment will remain."