19-storey student block recommended for approval

Plans to build new student accommodation in Glasgow's city centre have been recommended for approval by council officials after plans for a hotel were dropped.

Developers want to build a 19-storey block with 173 student studio flats on the site of a derelict store near Sauchiehall Street.

The plans include demolishing the store on Cambridge Street which was vacated by Littlewoods in 2005 and has been mainly unoccupied since.

The recommendation for approval was been made despite more than 60 objections which argued the proposed building was excessive and there were too many student flats in the area already.

Developers had originally planned to build a hotel of the same proposed height on the site, which was granted permission earlier this year.

But the plans were dropped due to market forecasts and financial viability.

Student accommodation provider Mezzino is expected to run the development, which would also have a lounge and bookable event space on the ground floor and two outdoor terraces.

Martin Rhodes, the Labour MP for Glasgow North, asked the council to consider the potential impact of the plans “on the local community and the built heritage of this part of the city centre”.

He said that further development of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) should be considered when assessing its possible negative impact on the community.

In a report to councillors, officials stated that the proposed height was considered appropriate in the context of the site, and the current building did not "contribute positively the visual amenity of the streetscene”.

A need assessment submitted in support of the application states Glasgow is facing “major supply shortage” of student accommodation.

It said the development would "support the growth of higher and further education institutions” and bring the site “back to active use which will be of benefit to the city centre environment and economy”.