IT boasts a hidden garden and sky-lit upper level and is so energy efficient that the new owners can look forward to minimal heating bills.

However, plans for an 'unashamedly contemporary' property in a conservation area of Glasgow's west end have not been welcomed by neighbouring residents who claim it will have an "adverse effect" on the area.

Designed by internationally renowned architect Keiron Lynch, permission is being sought for an 'understated' two-level home with basement level on a sunken plot sandwiched between period villas on Turnberry Road and Hyndland Secondary School.

A large rundown garage would be demolished to make way for the property, which, according to architects would ‘hunker down’ into the existing site inobtrusively and is below garden level of the surrounding properties.

The Herald:

(images: Keiron Lynch Architecture)

A design statement submitted by Keiron Lynch Architecture states that the house would be a “thoroughly contemporary residence tuned for modern day needs and concerns...and utilising appropriate renewables such as solar power, rainwater harvesting, heat recovery from waste water and exiting air."

The firm says the area already includes homes of "varying architectural styles and eras" and that any view of the dwelling from the road will be impossible with the "topography and existing greenery rendering most of the upper floor and all of the ground floor mostly unseen."

The Herald:

The Herald:

The developers say the building has "no larger a footprint area" than the existing building that is to be demolished.

However, the application has prompted complaints from neighbours who say it is not in keeping with the more traditional period properties and will have "an adverse effect on the privacy and tranquillity" of the area.

One writes: "The modern appearance of the building (both in form and materials used) is not at all sympathetic to the older, period style of the neighbouring buildings and area."

The Herald:

Another said: "The purpose of a conservation area is to preserve or enhance
its character and appearance. This proposal does not do this."

One objector noted that a previous application for property on the site was rejected in the 1980s following an appeal by the applicant to the Secretary of State because it essentially constituted a "development in a back lane".

The Herald:

The property is described as "neighbourly and sustainable" with lush private gardens and grounds .

"The site requires a bespoke solution, this is believed to be best created as an unashamedly contemporary yet complimentary addition within the wider area, which already possesses many successful buildings of varying architectural styles and eras."

Glasgow City Council said the application would be considered "on its own merits".

The site has existed with its own address since before 1860 when it was surrounded by farmland before the streets and buildings of Hyndland were created.

A major change to planning laws in England will allow neighbours to vote on home renovations.

In the small print of the Queen's Speech, which was delivered this week by Prince Chalres, it was revealed residents will be given "more involvement in local development".

Neighbours will be allowed to vote on the size and style of extensions, new homes and conversions happening along their street, according to The Times.