July 4 2007

The approval of plans to transform a disused toilet block in Glasgow's Kelvingrove Park into a health food cafe has sparked further debate into the leasing of public land to commercial operators.

The decision to transform the C-listed building into a 30-seater cafe has coincided with protests against Stefan King's proposals for Botanic Gardens, which include a bar, restaurant, nightclub and conference centre.

Entreprenuer Gary Pilkington, who gave up his career in education to concentrate on the Kelvingrove project, said: " Some of the objections appear political in nature and there's a misapprehension that the two schemes are similar. They are not. There's only a coincidence of timing."

Opponents of the Kelvingrove project will have the chance to lodge their objections with local authorities over the next two weeks before the plans are sent to Scottish ministers for approval.

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