Garnethill residents oppose plans for 18-storey hotel in city centre

Residents in Garnethill are opposing plans for an 18-storey aparthotel near Sauchiehall Street.

Plans have been submitted to Glasgow City Council by PMI Developments Ltd to demolish the existing and derelict building at 19 Cambridge Street.

If approved by the council's planning committee, a hotel with 5 small studios, 75 large studios, and 31 one-bedroom apartments would be built.

However, locals are campaigning to stop the application from being passed after concerns were raised about the height and style of the build, as it is a conservation area.

Members of the Garnethill Multicultural Centre say the development will detract from the area's "iconic" gothic architecture and overshadow neighbouring b-listed buildings, including the Glasgow School of Art and the Glasgow Film Theatre.

The group is also concerned about increased traffic and the creation of a "party atmosphere" in the residential area of the city.

'Preserving Glasgow's heritage'

A spokesperson for the group said: "It's the size and the sheer scale of the building compared to all of the other buildings within the conservation area which is the problem.

"It's about preserving the architecture and history of Glasgow, it seems ludicrous to build a generic hotel like this in the middle of this conservation area which has such a strong heritage.

"It will be sandwiched between B-listed buildings like the art school and the film theatre - they will be overshadowed.

"There are already hotels around here which are 9 storeys high and this development will be double that.

"We're not against developments because it is a bit of an eyesore, but it has to be done in a way which is tasteful and fitting with Glasgow's heritage.

"We'd like to meet the planners at the council and talk with them face-to-face about how this will impact the area.

"We also think there should be a policy on high buildings like other major cities across the world."

Privacy concerns

The hotel would be situated directly across from Fleming House - a block of flats which have floor-to-ceiling windows and a view across Glasgow.

Residents there are concerned about privacy - Ian Wright lives on the 11th floor: "When I get up in the morning, I'll open the blinds and hey presto - there's someone looking back at you.

"We don't want to look into their rooms either.

"It might be legally far enough away, but we will no longer have this view and there will be concerns about privacy.

"If the building was of similar height to other buildings within the area, no one would have any objection to that - it's the fact it'll be more than double the height of others within the conservation area.

"I can't understand why it'll be allowed in a conservation area in the first place, but if the Council does allow it, it'll set a precedent for other developers.

"If they see one 18 storey building, someone else can come along and ask permission for a 30 storey building.

"It will just go on and it will totally destroy the heritage of the area and the heritage of Glasgow."

'We want to be a good neighbour'

A spokesperson for the building's owner said: "We are keen to invest in Glasgow city centre and the ongoing regeneration of Sauchiehall Street.

"This site has been derelict for a number of years which has encouraged anti-social behaviour in the area.

"We are in discussions with a premium aparthotel operator who has a strong track record in running well-managed hotels throughout the UK.

"The new hotel will create jobs and will bring additional footfall and spend to Sauchiehall Street.

"Building design has been carefully considered to ensure it complies with Council policies on privacy and daylighting. The council also recognises that tall buildings are appropriate in certain locations.

"We will carefully manage our construction process and a construction management plan will be put in place ensuring disruption is minimised.

"We appreciate that proposals for change can be a concern for communities. We’ve met with the local community council and are keen to work positively with them and be a good neighbour."

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