THOUSANDS of people have objected to plans for a housing development in a historic lane.

Councillors are today due to consider a move to build four townhouses and 45 flats in Otago Lane in the west end of Glasgow.

The development has infuriated local people, who have lodged almost 800 letters of objection. They include MSPs Patrick Harvie and Sandra White, MPs Alan Reid, Jo Swinson and Alistair Carmichael, local councillor Martha Wardrop, Hillhead community council and Woodlands and Park community council.

City planners have also received a petition against the plan signed by more than 3500 people.

Campaigner Martin Fell, of Tchai-Ovna tea house which is based in Otago Lane, said business owners in the lane fear that disruption caused by such a large project will force them to close. Iain Steel, chairman of Otago Lane community association, said: "If Glasgow City Council approves these plans it is quite possible these four-bedroom dwellings, once built, can be subdivided, bringing the number of dwellings up to over 49.

"We are looking at around 200 people moving into a lane which has only one narrow access."

Mr Harvie, Green MSP for Glasgow, said: "When I looked at the plans I was horrified."