MORE than 100 residents have turned out to protest over plans to build over 400 homes on the historic site of the University of Strathclyde’s former Jordanhill Campus in Glasgow.
Residents have complained about the loss of green space and the chopping down of over 70 trees on the site.
The proposed development by housebulder CALA Homes would see the landmark B-listed David Stow building in Glasgow's west-end converted into flats while scores of protected trees on the would be destroyed if the proposal is given the green light, say the protesters.
They claim the proposals in their current form also make no provision for schooling, extra traffic volumes, local amenities or the management of local sports pitches.
Plans also include the demolition of other buildings on the college campus to be replaced by 4-storey blocks.
The protest group say that much of the site’s open space leisure grounds and ancient woodland will be lost to the local community and wider city.
It is understood Glasgow City Council has received more than 200 written objections to the plans.
The site, owned by the University of Strathclyde, was from 1913-93 home to Jordanhill College where close to 200,000 students became teachers, going on to educate generations across Scotland and around the world.
One of the protesters, William Dick said: "It is a very important issue. Seventy two trees are for the chop and people are up in arms about the loss of green space and trees. And nothing has been offered to the community."
The move comes six years after ‘planning permission in principle’ was obtained by the University of Strathclyde, owners of the 31-acre site, for a residential developer.
The developers say that central to the proposals is the retention of the university’s Category B-listed David Stow building, which will be refurbished to offer luxury apartments.
Two other buildings, Graham House and Douglas House, which do not have listed status, are also to be conserved and converted under the plans.
They have said that 40 per cent of the proposed development will be retained as greenspace. Playing fields and acres of ancient woodland located on the site will be protected with designated play areas of various styles proposed within the site.
Jim McIntyre, managing director of CALA Homes (West), said in announcing the project last month that they intended to conserve the site’s significant landscape and heritage features.
He said: “We’re very excited about our plans for the former Jordanhill Campus, where we are seeking to create a wide range of much needed high quality homes.
“The plans offer an opportunity to build on the legacy of Jordanhill Campus and deliver a new community asset for local residents. The proposals will enhance the site by protecting the green space available, improving the existing historic parkland and removing unsightly and derelict buildings.
“Having such a wide range of homes will also deliver a real benefit and will help meet the growing demand for high quality housing within the city. People who live in Jordanhill, but require to downsize or upsize to a new home and don’t want to move away from the local community will in future be able to remain in the area, close to their neighbours, family and friends.”
A CALA Homes (West) spokesman said: “This proposed development will deliver real and lasting benefits to the community. The plans offer an opportunity to build on the legacy of Jordanhill Campus and provide much-needed high quality homes.”
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