November 11 2020

A bid to build a cafe and two flats in Glasgow's Barras has been thrown out by planners owing to an absence of external space, restricted floorplans and limited aspects.

The critical report dismissed the attempt to introduce homes within the Barrowlands Market area, arguing that the development "... would provide poor levels of privacy for intended occupants as a result of their incongruous location within a busy commercial area providing unacceptable levels of residential amenity."

Applicant Framed Estates had identified the east end pub on Stephenson Street as suitable for an upper floor extension, reinstating a first floor to provide two 53sq/m one-bedroom flats, each with access to a small balcony.

Introducing housing to the area was argued to improve the fortunes of the flagging market area by increasing footfall and out of hours activity while reinstating lost urban fabric.

As part of the plans, the current pub would have been remodelled as a cafe with enlarged windows and a deli counter. 

8 Comments

#1 Posted by SHOUTING ANDREW on 11 Nov 2020 at 12:19 PM

SHOUT IT - I THINK UR NEED TO UPDATE THE DESCRIPTION OF THESE FLATTED APARTMENTS - THERE ARE NOT "two 53sq/m one-bedroom flats" THERE ARE "TWO 26.5SQ/M ONE-BEDROOM FLATS". THAT PUTS IT INTO PERSPECTIVE IN HOW THE APPLICANT IS MAD KEEN ON SQUEEZING AS MUCH PROFIT AS POSSIBLE.

GLASGOW, YOU CAN DO SO MUCH BETTER. TRY LOOKING AT WHAT MOXON ARE DOING AS INSPIRATION.

#2 Posted by UR on 11 Nov 2020 at 12:49 PM

The stated footprint is 'around' 53sq/m per unit.

'A 1-bed flat is recommended to be a minimum of 37m2, while our proposal includes floor space of around 53m2 per unit.'

#3 Posted by Wizard of William on 11 Nov 2020 at 13:51 PM

That looks a huge improvement to what is already there. I'm not sure about living there permanently, but that would be a great place for two airbnb units, many tourists would love the authentic Glasgow experience of staying in the Barras Market.

#4 Posted by Whispering Andy on 11 Nov 2020 at 14:34 PM

Whisper it.......but the proposal looks pretty decent. Would indisputably tidy up that corner, providing a much improved entrance to the market area.

There have been far worse proposals passed, though by the sounds of the response I think they'll be up against it to reach an agreement with the planners.

Disappointingly, the area will be left with that grim looking entrance going forward.

#5 Posted by Grenading Graeme on 11 Nov 2020 at 14:35 PM

Grenade it.....that is all.

#6 Posted by Bill S on 11 Nov 2020 at 14:55 PM

Looks great. The apartment layouts are clever, the size is generous, and each have external space that is facing South or West so can take advantage of the sun. If privacy is an issue, could they not put up some fixed or moving full height and perforated screens so the occupants can take advantage of being outside, but still enjoy some privacy? Hopefully the planning department can come to a compromise.

#7 Posted by Pavol on 12 Nov 2020 at 09:53 AM

Just to encourage you guys it is a place I would choose to live at. I do not think the privacy issue raised is justified since some people do like to have the 'city in their living room' and (very important) the apartments are raised to first floor level - this is far superior separation than the common two meter privacy strip of grassed 'no mans land' which is (unfortunately) typically used to give ground floor flats privacy. Could you add another 2 storeys / 4 flats on top, provide decent floor-ceiling and try a roof terrace for the 'amenity' to keep planning happy? Would you be able to appeal the decision?

#8 Posted by Charlie_ on 14 Nov 2020 at 14:46 PM

Too urban for gcc to get their heads around.

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