Comments on: Save Otago Lane – Consultation over development plans

By: Ivan

Ivan — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 17:47:53 +0000

The architect's proposals would mean the end of a unique part of Glasgow. Forever.

By: Ivan

Ivan — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:47:53 +0000

The architect's proposals would mean the end of a unique part of Glasgow. Forever.

By: James Harrison

James Harrison — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 23:04:29 +0000

I very much support Katy and the Save Otago Lane campaign on this! I really hope this development doesn't go ahead!

By: Iain Steel

Iain Steel — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 22:34:08 +0000

Most of the 102 new flats mentioned by Dave Brown (from Streets-UK, the community consultation consultante employed by the developer Hugh Scott) are planned to be built in Otago Lane rather than on Otago Street. This is in direct contravention of the Glasgow City Plan 2 (RES 6) which lays down strict rules on the height, scale, massing and design style of buildings in lanes where there are existing old mews properties. This development would result in massive overdevelopment of a narrow old lane, it is not in keeping with the conservation area of the West End, and it will destroy the character of a lively and bohemian West End destination.

The development may be designed to be ‘car free’, however, this only means that car-parking in the area will be reduced for current residents as the proposed development is to be built on top of two existing car-parks. A ‘car free’ development does not mean people will not have cars, it simply means that the residents of the development will put an increased burden on an already heavily congested area. Also, as people in ‘car free’ developments cannot apply for parking permits, this will inevitably increase incidents of illegal parking in permit areas.

I am surprised by Dave’s assertion that ‘many people appreciated the proximity of Hillhead High’, at all three meetings I have attended where the plans have been presented, it was requested repeatedly that the plans be made permanently available during the consultation period and Hillhead Library was suggested at all of these meetings. It was also requested that soft copies were made available (at a sufficient resolution to read the text) to be posted online.

I also notice that there has been no mention that the proposed development would put at risk the jobs of the existing businesses within Otago Lane (including Tchai Ovna, the entrance to which would be built on top of by a four storey block), or the fact that the existing residents of Otago Lane would have their homes surrounded at close proximity on all sides by buildings of up to nine-storeys high, depriving them of daylight, visual amentiy, and privacy.

Otago Lane is an important part of Glasgow’s West End. I would recommend that anyone who would like further information on the proposed development should have a look at the campaign website: http://www.saveotagolane.co.uk for more information and contact details.

Kind regards
Iain Steel
OLCA

By: Iain Steel

Iain Steel — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 21:43:50 +0000

For more information on the campaign against developing Otago Lane, please see the website Katy mentioned on: http://www.saveotagolane.co.uk/

Kind regards
Iain Steel
OLCA

By: Dave Brown

Dave Brown — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 11:11:25 +0000

A couple of clarifications are needed. The current proposals are for 102 new flats and refurbishment of 48 existing. The scheme would be car-free.
The consultation period is a minimum of 12 weeks, but that does not mean it has to end on 7th December. The design team need to review all the feedback from the various meetings and the exhibition before any changes are made. The plan at present is to exhibit ammended plans in due course. Many people appreciated the proximity of Hillhead High, but we are open to hosting it elsewhere.