Plans approved for houses and flats on Glasgow's Acre Road in Maryhill

Submitted by Mosaic Architecture and Design, the plans will see five houses and 64 flats built on land at 100 Acre Road in Maryhill. 

The development will include the alteration of C-listed building Acre House into three homes while the stables will be demolished and replaced with a two-storey mews building containing two houses.

There will be four new blocks for the 64 flats, as well as the creation of an access road, 72 associated car parking spaces and landscaping.  

There will be a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom properties. 

Plans from Mosaic Architecture and Design

The design statement from the company stated: "The concept is focused on the design of a new neighbourhood quarter which sensitively blends new with old and opens up to the existing community of Acre in Maryhill.

"The design will respond to the existing boundary conditions and will form new links to the existing neighbourhood.

"These new connections to the existing community are a critical point for increasing local connections.

"The development will offer a clear hierarchy of adoptable carriageways, shared surfaces, public realm spaces, streets, paths, public green spaces and play areas.

"Strategically placed trees and bushes will provide privacy and the narrow carriageways will in turn reduce vehicle speeds to create a more pedestrian-friendly environment.

"All of the above will encourage and assist in creating social interaction between residents and visitors alike, providing a safe and pleasant environment."

Acre House in 2019. Image from Mosaic Architecture and Design.

Acre House, which was built in 1860, was previously a private residence and a convent, though its most recent known use was as student accommodation for Glasgow University until around 2004. 

Since then, it has fallen into disrepair with only the exterior walls still standing.

The design statement said: "The existing charm of Acre House will be preserved through refurbishment and an enhanced setting will be provided that allows the house to be framed on approach from Acre Road.

"The series of spaces between the buildings provide a sense of journey through the site which will again be enhanced by feature gables and secondary markers complimenting the primary marker of Acre Road entrance tower."

Aerial view of the site from Mosaic Architecture and Design

The plans were approved on Monday with a number of conditions set to safeguard Acre House and its character.

This includes retaining the building's exterior and only installing traditional timber sash windows. 

All rooflights will also have to replicate traditional designs and external doors, replacement walls and gates will have to be approved by Glasgow City Council. 

Officials stated in the handling report: "The existing listed buildings sit within a mature woodland setting which contributes greatly to its special historic character.

"The main house would be refurbished, and the proposed development acknowledges the special character of the site and its development constraints.

"The development results in some loss of mature trees on site, but includes replanting proposals, and the structure and character of the woodland tree belts are retained.

"The replacement mews building is sensitive to the design and materials of the original building.

"By virtue of their scale, massing and placement within the site, the four proposed flatted blocks do not dominate the main house and are not considered to negatively impact on the special setting and appreciation of the building."

Plans from Mosaic Architecture and Design