Plans to demolish a former brass foundry in Finnieston in favour of flats have been described as an "erosion of Glasgow’s industrial heritage".
A Scottish Government planning expert has ruled that the building on Minerva Street can be flattened to create an eight-storey block containing 59 one, two, and three-bed apartments.
Nevis Properties had asked for a decision on the application to be made by the Scottish Government's Planning and Environmental Appeals Division after a number of objections were submitted.
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Bailie Christy Mearns and Paul Sweeney MSP were among those who voiced their opposition to the plans alongside dozens of locals.
The foundry is believed to have been constructed in 1869 for &W Young, ships, plumbers and brassfounders. It was argued that it was successfully restored and converted into offices in 1991 and has been in continuous active use.
Concerns were raised about the planned demolition of the viable foundry building described as a 'valuable heritage asset' and that the building would be too tall for the surrounding area.
A lack of parking, local amenities and open space were also a cause for concern for residents already living in the area.
Planning reporter Philip McLean, who was appointed by Scottish Ministers, said in his report: “A number of objectors argue that the proposal would adversely impact the settings of nearby cultural heritage assets or views towards them, in particular the St Vincent Crescent Conservation Area, the category A listed buildings on St Vincent Crescent, and the category A listed Stobcross Crane (also known as the Finnieston Crane).
“Based on my observations, and having reviewed the submissions on this topic (including the appellant’s heritage, townscape and visual assessment), I am satisfied the proposal would not significantly impact any key views, would preserve the character and appearance of the conservation area, and would not adversely affect the setting of any listed buildings.
“Objectors also submit that the existing building on the site, originally built as a brass foundry, is itself a valuable heritage asset that should be retained and incorporated into any new development rather than being demolished.
“Historic Environment Scotland issued a Certificate of Intention Not to List (COINTL) for the building in October 2022, concluding it is not of special architectural or historic interest.
“I am therefore satisfied that, in the context of the broad policy support for the principle of regeneration at this location, demolition of the building and redevelopment of the appeal site is acceptable."
It was concluded that the plans don't come into conflict with any other development plan policies and there are relevant grounds for the plans to be refused.
MSP Paul Sweeney described the outcome as 'disappointing' and a “further sad and unnecessary erosion of Glasgow’s industrial heritage in the Stobcross and Finnieston district.”
He added: “It’s a disappointing outcome that the independent Scottish Government reporter has determined to grant the application in the face of opposition from all democratically elected representatives of the community, both council and parliamentary, but one for which I took all possible steps to prevent.
“Ultimately Historic Environment Scotland’s (HES) decision not to list the brass foundry building after a listing application was made, and then grant a certificate of intention not to list, spelled its death knell.
“I supported both the listing application and wrote against the granting of the Certificate of Intention Not to List, but my representations were not upheld by HES in this instance.”
The application is still currently pending approval by Glasgow City Council who previously granted a demolition warrant for the building.
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