Campaigners win political support in bid to save historic Otago Lane

Feb 24 2010 By Lauren Crooks

Otago Lane

A CAMPAIGN to save a west end landmark from being transformed into a modern housing complex stepped up a gear this week.

Otago Lane is being threatened by a development of 163 flats being built in eight-storey blocks.

If building goes ahead, then the future of independent businesses in the lane, such as the iconic Tchai-Ovna Tea House and Mixed Up Records, will be put in jeopardy.

Angry locals, who say the blocks would be out of character in the historic lane, have been urging the council to bin the plans for months.

And now Liberal Democrat leader Tavish Scott has got behind the Save Otago Lane campaign.

As he sat drinking tea in Tchai Ovna Tea House, he said: "Otago Lane and the businesses there are a vital and historic part of the community.

"It would be a real shame if the redevelopment were to go ahead as currently planned."

Scott was joined by the Lib Dem candidate for Glasgow North, Katy Gordon.

He added: "Katy Gordon is a fantastic campaigner and she continues to work very closely with the Save Otago Lane Campaign."

And Gordon insists that she has yet to speak to a west end resident who is happy about the plans to build.

She said: "Otago Lane is a haven of student and alternative culture.

"It is one of the oldest surviving lanes in the west end, just off Gibson Street, and forms an essential hub in the community.

"I have been working closely with the Save Otago Lane campaigners for the last few months, to try and raise as much awareness as possible and encourage locals to object.

"The west end is one of the most densely populated parts of the city.

"It is ridiculous that the council may approve such an inappropriately large development.

"I haven't met a single person who supports the development and have spoken to many who are absolutely outraged at the proposal."

The city council could not comment on the development as the application has still to go before the planning committee.