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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
National
Holly Lennon

Plans for 19-storey aparthotel blasted by locals fearing homes could become 'uninhabitable'

Plans to build a 19-storey aparthotel just off Sauchiehall Street have been slammed by locals.

Developers are looking to demolish an empty building on the corner of Cambridge Street and Renfrew Street to build around 160 apartments to "contribute further to the wider tourism/hospitality offer".

Over 40 objections have already been submitted in response to the plans with fears that the aparthotel could make surrounding buildings 'practically uninhabitable' for homeowners.

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Concerns have been raised over the 'excessive' scale of the building that locals fear could result in a loss of privacy and sunlight for neighbouring properties as well an increase in noise.

One objector outlines: "A 19 stories proposal in an area where the tallest building is 13 stories is needlessly high, changing the city's landscape and dominating an area characterised by human-size developments.

"Does Glasgow really need more high-density temporary accommodation when homelessness and gentrification are already pushing residents away from the city? Not to mention, it will completely reduce the quality of life and property values of the residents of Fleming House, intruding on residents' privacy who have nowhere to hide behind floor-to-ceiling windows covering entire apartments.

"These people will find themselves in negative equity because of an insensitive proposal that does not respect the existing city fabric or contribute value to Glasgow's residents."

Another wrote: "The sheer scale of the building just meters across Renfrew Street to my residence just screams of a lack of consideration to people who live in our building. The people putting this proposal together have put this scheme together as if we just don't exist.

"This building does not even make an effort to fit in and It is not in keeping with the area. This is the edge of a residential area and a 16-storey modern hotel is not appropriate. The noise generated from hotel guests who aren't residents will be monumental. Currently, Tesco delivers food at 6:30 Monday-Saturday. The noise is extreme even with our windows closed. The noise generated from a hotel this size in our area will make our flats practically uninhabitable."

Other issues have been raised including the potential pollution the construction of the building could generate.

One objector explained: "Proposal fails to acknowledge the introduction of LEZ. The entire construction phase will lead to mass increase of heavy machinery and vehicles being transported in and out of the city centre, with large amounts of debris and wastage being shifted and put into the atmosphere, This is not fitting at all with the recent Avenues and LEZ scheme set for the city centre."

However, comments of support have also been submitted in response to the plans with one supporter suggesting that those fearing for their privacy should 'move to a house in the countryside'.

One commenter said: "I think any investment in Glasgow City Centre is good investment.

"On mention of other comments on privacy, people do have blinds and are not all that interested in what's going on in your house.

"Take cities like New York and London that have tall buildings aplenty and they all but ad value to the properties around and have little mention of lack of privacy. If you want privacy, don't move to city centres into flats. Move to a house in the countryside."

Another added: "I am in support of this multi-million-pound investment in the City Centre. It provides much-needed amenity for tourists and short-stay accommodation in the City, replaces a redundant eyesore of an unlettable building and has no appreciable impact on neighbouring residential communities."

Derby-based PMI Developments and Peveril Securities said in their proposal: "Given the site’s prominent location within the city centre, and its location within a key strategic economic area, we believe there is justification for demolition, and opportunity for a building of scale that promotes a use type that will support the economy of the city and its strong tourist industry."

The plans are due to go before Glasgow City Council's planners.

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