Hundreds of homes set to be built on former Ruchill Hospital site in Glasgow

Bellway Homes has applied to develop the land at Bilsland Drive, and would retain the A-listed water tower as a “central feature”.

The application came under fire after it was submitted to the council, with criticisms over the design of the houses — and 18 objections have been submitted.

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However, two local councillors have supported the housing proposal, which planning officers say should be granted.

Glasgow’s planning committee will make a decision on the plans when they meet on Tuesday, August 31.

Bob Doris, the SNP MSP for Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn, submitted a neutral comment to the council, which said he wants to “see the brownfield site at the former Ruchill Hospital developed for residential housing” but raised some concerns.

He is worried the new access from Panmure Street could create a “rat run” and safety issues, and that affordable housing should be considered as part of the development.

Labour councillors Gary Gray and Robert Mooney support the application. Cllr Gray said he had a “fruitful” meeting with Bellway to discuss any concerns and is “happy to register my support for more housing in my ward”.

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As part of the development, the C-listed tower would be repaired and retained and there would be 658 car parking spaces.

Responding to Mr Doris’ comments, a report by council officers claims “good connectivity between residential areas is considered a positive aspect of the proposal” and that no “appealing” shortcut will be provided. It adds social housing is not a requirement.

The report also states the proposal has been developed since the initial submission.

“Design comments have been taken into account and implemented as part of the proposal. Most notably a more bespoke design code has been adopted using predominantly red brick making reference to the red stone buildings previously occupying the site. 

“The water tower feature is now surrounded by park area at the centre of the site and the listed stairs have a proposed lighting scheme and will be opened up as opposed to the current arrangement which sees them unusable and in poor condition.”

The hospital, opened in 1900 as an infectious diseases hospital, was absorbed into the NHS in the 1940s and closed in 1998.

Scottish Enterprise bought the site in 1999 and applied to demolish most of the building. The land was sold to Bellway Homes.

If approved, the developer would build 243 houses and 160 flats across 10 blocks.