Demolition plan for historic church goes to hearing after objections
Google MapsA demolition decision for B-listed Glasgow church for new flats has been put on hold for a hearing after a large number of objections were received.
Councillors opted to hold a hearing into the demolition of Hillhead Baptist Church in the city's West End, as there are 332 objections.
It means developer Wemyss Properties and objectors can have their say in person at a committee, rather than only council officials and councillors being present.
Several locals have argued the new development - a six-storey block of flats - would not be a suitable replacement for a historic building.
The developer says it is not financially viable to keep the church as it is.
The church was designed by Thomas L Watson in the Greek revival style and built in 1883
Ken Andrew, the chair of the planning applications committee, said: "I'm getting the sense that overwhelmingly people feel we should probably have a hearing on this given the level of responses to these proposals."
He added that it was only fair to give the proposal a proper hearing.
Hillhead Community Council members are among the hundreds of people who have objected to the plan for the Cranworth Street site.
The community council stated that the design was "not suitable for this prominent corner site".
It added: "This building is to replace a listed building. It is to occupy a site with two A listed buildings in its vicinity: The Baths and the Art Deco building in Vinicombe Street.
"If being replaced, the building should at least have a realistic possibility of being listed or be of a quality to enhance the area. This proposed building does not."
It also raised concern about the height of the proposed development.
There were 19 supporting comments pointing out the need for housing in Glasgow and that the current church building was in a "terrible condition".
Wemyss Properties said retaining the church building was not financially viable and it was the only developer interested in buying the site.