Plans to knock down Glasgow West End Ashoka restaurant for student accommodation

The company proposes that if these two buildings were to be knocked down, they would be replaced by purpose-built student accommodation in their place as well as additional short-stay accommodation.

The plans would include the demolition of 224 Byres Road and 19 Ashton Lane. The proposal says the student accommodation that would replace the two buildings would be used for short-stay accommodation outside of the university term time. The new structures would include space for retail and restaurant units at ground level.

We reported in December that plans for Lilybank Gardens student accommodation submitted by the University of Glasgow near to Ashton Lane had been approved by Glasgow City Council, subject to conditions

The plans for the 291 bed purpose built student accommodation on Lilybank Gardens were approved by councillors subject to around 50 conditions. The planning committee heard from a number of objectors, both local businesses and residents, who objected to the plans submitted by the University of Glasgow. Councillors heard of issues around disabled access to retail in the area, potential subsidence and the affect on the local area.

During deliberation, councillors said they were largely sympathetic to the objectors - however, the motion was passed without amendment.

Friends of Glasgow West Conservation Area raised concerns over the loss of trees and more than 100 parking spaces. “This much needed, and much used, parking facility particularly benefits businesses in Byres Road and its Lanes,” it said.

Lilybank car park has 106 marked bays, while there are 59 on-street car parking spaces surrounding it.

A council report states the development “will have seven floor levels in total although, due to a combination of ground levels and building height, it will not be any higher than six storeys”.

There are plans for ground floor commercial space and a “new pedestrian link and public realm route between Ashton Lane and Lilybank Gardens”.

Planning officials say the site is “an unattractive brownfield car park site in the heart of the Glasgow West conservation area”.

“The proposed development represents a significant opportunity to repair a portion of the urban block that offers little to the local environment,” their report adds.

“The proposed commercial units will contribute to the ongoing success of Ashton Lane and Great George Street Lane, which are popular leisure destinations.”

Planners acknowledge the “proposed closure of a well-established car park has generated a substantial amount of concern amongst objectors”.

But they state: “Ultimately, the car park is privately owned by the applicant who is under no obligation to keep it open.

“The reduction in car journeys will improve the local environment and air quality of the adjacent streets. The proposed development will improve connectivity between Ashton Lane and Lilybank Gardens and improve access to the gardens, with new paths and planting which will encourage their use and improve the appearance of this part of the conservation area.”

The university’s application states: “The building will deliver one of the university’s first purpose built student residences for over 20 years at the heart of the city’s west end.

“The primary goal is to offer students high-quality, close-to-campus accommodation that meets the needs of our growing academic community and enriches our students’ overall university experience.”