Plans to transform the former Watt Brothers building on Sauchiehall Street into a hotel have been rejected.
The proposals put forward by Glasgow City Council would see the historic building turned into a 'high-end' hotel in the heart of the city centre. In September 2020, we reported the the historic former Watt Brothers store had been sold ahead of a £20million rejuvenation plan.
Brothers Sandy and James Easdale took over the building which has been vacant since Watt Brothers fell into administration in 2019.
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The plans have now been rejected by the council's planning committee, who stated the the proposal, which included a roof top extension, would be "unsympathetic additions to the listed building" as well as other changes to the interior of the building including "decorative ceiling cornicing and wall panelling".
The decision reads: "The proposed roof top extensions, by virtue of their size, design and materials would appear as a visually prominent, incongruous and unsympathetic additions to the listed building, which would be harmful to the visual amenity, special architectural and historic character, composition, presence and appearance of the listed building and its setting within the Central Conservation Area.
"The size, location and design of the proposed roof top extensions would result in an unacceptable loss of external and internal fabric, including a large, glazed roof lantern, detracting from the historical character and significance of the listed building.
"The proposed internal alterations would interrupt the canted window mullions, decorative ceiling cornicing and wall panelling to the detriment of these important historic features, detracting from the special interesting and historical character of the listed building."
The news has been welcomed by Scottish Labour MSP for Glasgow Paul Sweeney who said he was "delighted" by the rejection.
He said: "Delighted that this proposal to plonk a hideous eyesore on top of one of Glasgow's finest early 20th century buildings has been refused planning permission by Glasgow City Council today. Well done to everyone who objected! Let the message go out to developers - raise your game."
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