RESIDENTS have praised a move by the Scottish Government to step into a row over a controversial development of new flats in Glasgow's Merchant City.

The plan for 109 homes at the corner of Ingram Street and Candleriggs attracted 143 objections from locals and groups who want the open space turned into a community park.

Developer Artisan was given the go-ahead last month to transform the car park into luxury apartments, despite a tied vote among members of the council's planning committee.

But the Glasgow Times can now reveal that Scottish Ministers have written to council chiefs ‘calling in’ the application due to the possible impact it could have on the adjacent City Halls and Old Fruitmarket.

Tam Coyle, chair of Merchant City and Trongate Community Council, said:  “The future of the site and our dream of Merchant City’s first community park now rests with the Scottish Government.

“While we cannot prejudge the decision, this is a remarkable victory for local residents, at least in the interim.

“Glasgow City Council’s decision waved through on the casting vote of one person sent absolutely the wrong message about the repeated mantra of wanting a greener environment for its citizens.”

Glasgow Times:

Local councillor Christy Mearns, who campaigned against the development proposal, added: “I am delighted that the Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA) has called in the decision to approve this residential development next to one of Glasgow’s finest music venues.

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 “The Merchant City community has fought this for many years in order to realise residents' long-held ambition of bringing forward the area’s first play park and multi-purpose outdoor space, something that would be for the benefit of local people and visitors, as well as in line with the city’s nature and climate goals.

“As well as destroying any hope for a meaningful public open space here, we are also concerned this development would pose a significant threat to the Fruitmarket and City Halls, given how close the new flats would be to these iconic music venues."

David Westwater, Artisan’s regional director for Scotland, says there will be public courtyard space within the plan.

He added: “We have set out an innovative design to attract people back into the Merchant City, creating an attractive and accessible space to live, visit, work and enjoy.

“As well as building sustainable and energy efficient new homes, we are also creating a variety of green, open spaces which will provide a rich, natural experience for both residents and visitors alike, with interlinked pathways and accessible seating areas.” 

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A spokesperson for Glasgow City Council told the Glasgow Times that they are aware of the Scottish Government's intervention but added that they could not comment on a live planning matter.