Historic Botanic Gardens Garage set for new look after controversial plan is approved

Feb 10 2010 By Peter Carroll

Botanics Garden Garage

CONTROVERSIAL plans to redevelop an A-listed building in the west end of Glasgow have been approved by the city council.

Councillors sitting on the planning applications committee approved the plans by Arnold Clark Group by a slender eight to seven vote during a protracted meeting on Tuesday morning at the City Chambers.

Campaigners have fought for years to save the site and won an earlier reprieve last year only to lose out after the decision by councillors on Tuesday.

The motoring group, which owns the site, has put forward three sets of altered plans since 2007 as the redevelopment faced fierce criticism from local campaigners.

Arnold Clark Group spokesman John Clark said: "We are delighted that the planning permission for our site on Vinicombe Street has been approved by Glasgow City Council.

"Our investment will breathe life back into the building while restoring the original features for all to enjoy. This will create a long term sustainable solution."

Although the council has approved the re-development of the building, the plans will now pass to Historic Scotland for Listed Bulding Consent.

Historic Scotland will then either give the consent, or it will be referred to the Scottish Government for consideration.

Dr Sam Maddra, from the Save the Botanic Gardens Garage group, said she hoped Historic Scotland would stop the project going ahead.

She said: "The group strongly urges Historic Scotland to reject the decision to grant planning permission."

The project will include plans for retail, restaurant and office space.

A spokeswoman for Historic Scotland said: "Now that Glasgow City Council has approved the application for the Botanic Gardens Garage the proposals will now be formally notified to Historic Scotland."