Plans approved for student housing in Glasgow's Anderston
The Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) development was presented to the planning committee at a meeting today, June 17.
Graham Investment Projects has requested permission from Glasgow City Council to develop the site of a dilapidated office building at 138 Hydepark Street.
The site, which Fresh will operate, will provide accommodation for 410 students across 236 studios and 174 cluster flats across 25 floors.
The proposal was met with objections from concerned local residents who shared concerns over the height and closeness of the development to existing homes.
(Image: Graham Investment Projects)
READ MORE: Plans submitted for student housing in Glasgow's Anderston
Residents of the River Heights building at Lancefield Quay also shared concerns over noise, privacy, and light restriction, as the new development will be twice the size of their building.
Aaron Hepburn, who told us earlier this year of the terrifying moment the 'building collapsed' during demolition on the site next door, spoke up at the meeting.
He said: "Our building will be uninhabitable if this is approved. The noise and vibrations from the six-month demolition were bad enough; we can't put up with two or three years of that.
"It was like living in an earthquake zone, with no place to relax and feel safe with your family.
"A ceiling in our building collapsed under the vibrations of the demolition, and we're concerned that there's been damage to our building in that process."
The existing building collapsed during demolition (Image: Newsquest/Colin Mearns)
READ MORE: Resident tells of moment 'building collapsed' on Glasgow's Hydepark Street
Councillor Angus Millar echoed the residents' concerns and also raised concerns over 'the concentration of Purpose Built Student Accommodation in this locality'.
However, councillors on the committee in attendance at the meeting voted in favour of the proposal, and the motion was passed eight to two.
The plans include a reception, roof terraces, a game area and lounge, a cinema, a group study area, a karaoke room, an e-games room, a fitness room, a social laundry, and a quiet study room.
Residents would also have access to cycle storage and be within walking distance of the city centre, SECC, and Anderston train station.
The plans say there would be eight people employed on site once the development is completed.
The Student Accommodation Need and Demand Assessment states: "The site is in the Anderston area, which is outside the areas of over-concentration of student residences."
READ MORE: Fire crews at Glasgow's Hydepark Street after 'building collapses'
There are also no listed buildings on the site, and it is not located within a conservation area.
The planning statement reads: "The PBSA accommodation will contribute to the vitality of Glasgow through their demand for cultural activities, independent businesses, and social spaces, boosting footfall and supporting regeneration efforts.
"The diversity of student populations introduces new cultural ideas and traditions, enriching the local identity and creating distinctive, dynamic places."
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