(Image: ECD Architects for Wheatley Homes)
Hundreds of new homes will be built in Maryhill after plans to regenerate the Wyndford estate were approved.
Wheatley Homes has secured permission from Glasgow City Council to provide 401 homes on the site.
The decision, made by the city’s planning committee today (Tuesday), follows the controversial demolition of four high-rise blocks last year.
Campaigners fighting to save the buildings argued they should be redeveloped but Wheatley said the flats were not fit for purpose.
Planners at the council recommended the proposed development was approved, stating it would “significantly increase the range and size of accommodation available”.
Plans for 400 homes on the Wyndford estate in Maryhill have been approved. Image from plans by ECD Architects for Wheatley Homes.
Cllr Ken Andrew, SNP, the planning committee chairman, said: “I think this is quite an exciting development.”
He frequently passes the site and “watched the original tower blocks come down”, he said. “I suppose it’s with a sense of anticipation I have been waiting for this to come in front of the committee.
“I’m delighted to see this come before us, potentially bringing 800 odd rooms during a housing crisis.”
In its application, Scotland’s largest social landlord, Wheatley, said the new homes would offer “much needed family accommodation”. And council planners described the scheme as a “significant phase in the regeneration of the Wyndford estate”.
In a report to councillors, they added the plan “provides 100% affordable housing which comprises 343 units for social rent and 58 units for mid-market rent”.
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Eight objections, including from Central Maryhill Community Council, were received. They opposed a net loss of homes during a housing emergency and raised concerns over larger family housing placing “strain” on schools and GP surgeries in the area.
The council report stated: “Whilst the proposal would result in fewer individual dwellings than the former tower blocks (401 compared with approximately 600), the development would significantly increase the range and size of accommodation available.
“The proposed development would provide approximately 899 bedrooms compared with approximately 600 bedrooms within the former tower blocks and would introduce a substantial proportion of three and four-bedroom homes to meet identified family housing needs.”
Cllr Jill Pidgeon, Labour, said: “I feel the increase in family homes is so well needed in the city and I feel the development has been thought out, and looks like a really nice place to live.”
The Wynford estate was built in the 1960s on the site of the former Maryhill Barracks, which closed in 1960. The development site includes the land where the four high-rises and the former Maryhill Hub building stood, as well as open space and a playground.
Under the new plan, homes would be delivered over 24 blocks ranging between two and eight storeys, with 340 flats, 12 duplex flats and 49 terraced houses. A new community hub, which will be owned and managed by the council, is also included.
A separate application from Wheatley is currently under consideration to replace an old blaes pitch with a new sports pitch, street furniture and outdoor gym equipment.