PLANS for new three-storey flats in Knightswood have raised numerous concerns amongst locals living close by.

Despite almost 80 objections from nearby residents, the housing development on the site of the former Garscadden Primary School was approved.

But locals are not pleased with the planned height of the building, and Glasgow City Council’s “excuse” for this.

When questioning the council about the height and the development being out of character with the area, residents said the council told them it’s allowed because they can see higher flats 500 yards away at Halley Place.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the residents say they were informed that only critical and emergency issues were being dealt with.

But, in June, the Wheatley Group, which applied for permission to build on the land, was given the go ahead to erect 42 flats and 28 houses.

Despite asking if the meeting was going ahead, and getting no response, the residents found out about councillors approving the plans through the media.

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They said: “Can the council justify this planning meeting as an emergency response? An email was sent and contact made with councillors before the meeting asking if it was still going ahead, and an auto response was received and no other reply or contact.”

The new roads planned to be built have also raised concern, along with a lack of parking spaces.

In a letter seen by the Post, residents stated: “It is unbelievable that they’ve not taken access from Kelso Street (the main road) and created a T shape entry/exit system.

“Instead the plans are now two roads (four entry points) into this new estate from the narrow surrounding avenues, impacting on already over-congested avenues as well as the safety of children, elderly and cyclists.

“There isn’t even one full parking space allocated to each of the 70 properties. We are shocked at this considering the amount of people nowadays who have cars and the projection rates for the future.”

The residents’ letter continued: “This will obviously have an impact on the area not only in the present but the entire future, increasing pollution, and impacting on pedestrian and public safety due to the increased amount of cars parking in the surrounding streets.”

A Glasgow City Council spokesman said: “Objections and supportive representations are taken into account by members as part of the consideration of any application. There is high demand for housing in the area – which is well-connected to the city centre by rail, bus and road.”