PLANS to build 160 new “unusual” flats next to Ibrox Stadium, which commemorates a former greyhound race track have been given the go-ahead. 

Glasgow City Council’s planning committee granted permission to Merchant Homes to build two four-storey U-shaped buildings, each containing 80 two-bedroom flats on the Albion car park site. 

The application was brought before the committee on Tuesday morning where concerns were raised about the size of these flats and the need to include a mixture of property sizes.

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Chairman and councillor Ken Andrew asked that a condition be added to the agreement asking developers to look again at the accommodation and include various flat sizes. 

Councillor Andrew said: “At the pre-planning application stage, the one issue I had concerns about was the size of the flats and the mixture of flat sizes.

“Are we able to put in a further condition that covers this?”

A council officer confirmed they would draft a condition asking the developer to look at the mix of flats and revise it so there is a wider range of properties. 

Merchant Homes has an agreement in place with a social housing provider and all the flats on the site off Edmiston Drive and Broomloan Road will be made available for social rent.

Six objections to the scheme were also submitted, with neighbours opposed to loss of car parking. The site, owned by Rangers, has been used for matchday parking since the 1980s and was previously home to a training ground for the club.

The developers also said the red colour of the two blocks would match the main stand at Ibrox. 

Speaking about the proposals, councillor Eva Bolander said: “I am really happy to see this development come forward. It is positive to see a slightly different design submitted rather than what we have seen so many times. 

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“The communal space and the open space inside the development can be well used by residents living in this area. I think there should be further development in respect to using the roof if it is a flat roof.

“If I have any criticism of the project it is the roof as it gives a very flat sort of impression but I think the design is so unusual I wouldn’t put that forward as a negative comment in any way. 

“Those are my deliberations and I am more than happy to approve planning permission.”

Councillor Paul Leinster added: “I want to emphasise that I really like the design, I think it is a bit unusual and it is really welcome. I like the fact that it relates back to the previous use of the greyhound track, I think that is interesting and something we don’t see enough of.

“The materials that are used reflect the stadium itself and it’s just a very much-needed part of the regeneration of this area. I will also be very happy to support it.”

Members unanimously agreed to grant the proposal.