'Orange' flats to be built at Glasgow quay as councillor says 'I prefer green'

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More the 700 "vibrant orange" flats are set to be built alongside Glasgow's Clydeside - but one councillor has said he would have preferred them to be green.

Councillors approved the ‘build to rent’ neighbourhood at Lancefield Quay, which will reach 22 storeys at its highest point, during a planning application committee meeting. There were 13 objections lodged against the plan with concerns expressed about loss of daylight and not enough parking.

The meeting heard the homes would be seen from Kingston Bridge and the flats would be a “vibrant rust orange.” A council official said the “colourful” scheme will “draw attention when seen from longer distances” with materials designed to last - but one councillor said that, despite supporting the plans, he wasn’t keen on the colour.

Committee chair Ken Andrew, SNP, said he was not “quite sure about the orange treatment”. He added: “I like all the other treatments - the green and brick finishes etc.”

A representative from operator MODA described how the development will supply 709 urgently needed new homes and offer social value. Explaining that the team runs similar housing in Holland Park and Vista Park in the city, he said when their new homes are released to market “they are rented immediately” in Glasgow.

Properties are advertised for monthly rent at £1,200 in Holland Park but the representative said Lancefield Quay prices have not been confirmed yet. He said no deposits are taken or service charges and rent includes 24/7 concierge, internet and gyms and dining areas among other offerings.

He said: “The local supply chain impact of Lancefield Quay measures over £250 million creating and safeguarding over 400 jobs through the construction process and creating 15 new apprenticeships and adding nearly £80 million to the economy.”

The planning application for the development lodged by applicant Tim McDonald also included proposals for 101 parking spaces and a new street. A resident of Lancefield Quay Mr Walker told the committee he is worried about the loss of daylight in his home caused by overshadowing as well as a lack of sufficient play facilities for children.

He pointed out the 22 storey part of the development would be 30 metres from his flat and he would prefer to see the height reduced. Councillors approved the planning application yesterday subject to conditions.

Councillor Imran Alam, Labour, said: “We have to build up unfortunately. It is the way the city centre is. We recently approved something much higher than this and this is 22 storeys. There is no other way to build to combat the housing crisis in the city.”

He said “everything is close by” and there are transport links but school places might be an issue potentially.

Councillor Andrew added: “I have an element of sympathy with Mr Walker and the residents in Lancefield Quay. However I think given Lancefield Quay is south of the site and open to the river I think the level of daylighting and sunlight it gets is actually remarkable for a city centre location and quite a magnificent location it is by the river."

He added there will be a daylighting impact on Mr Walker’s property but it will not be overly compromised. The site would be home to 37 studios, 405 one bedroom flats, 262 two bedroom flats and 31 three bedroom flats. Building will take place in two phases and the height of the blocks would vary with levels including 22, 17, 11 and seven storey elements.

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