Plans to build 400 homes on Glasgow’s Wyndford estate set to be approved

Plans to build 400 homes on Glasgow’s Wyndford estate are recommended for approval next week.

The application from Wheatley Homes follows the controversial demolition of four high-rise blocks on the site last year.

Some residents fought to save the buildings, arguing they should be retained and retrofitted. But Scotland’s largest social landlord, Wheatley, said the flats were not fit for purpose and the new homes will offer “much-needed family accommodation”.

Planners at Glasgow City Council say the proposed development “represents a significant phase in the regeneration of the Wyndford estate” and should be given the go-ahead when councillors meet on Tuesday.

In a report to the planning committee, they add the plan “provides 100% affordable housing which comprises 343 units for social rent and 58 units for mid-market rent”.

Eight objections, including from Central Maryhill Community Council, have been received. They oppose a net loss of homes during a housing emergency and claim there should be a legally-binding commitment to ensure 85% of homes are for social rent. Concerns over larger family housing placing “strain” on schools and GP surgeries in the area are also raised.

One objector said: “In the midst of a declared housing emergency in Glasgow, any development that reduces the total social housing stock on public land is a failure of planning policy and detrimental to the community’s long-term needs.”

The council’s planning report states: “Whilst the proposal would result in fewer individual dwellings than the former tower blocks (401 compared with approximately 600), the development would significantly increase the range and size of accommodation available. 

“The proposed development would provide approximately 899 bedrooms compared with approximately 600 bedrooms within the former tower blocks and would introduce a substantial proportion of three and four-bedroom homes to meet identified family housing needs.”

It continues: “There is a demonstrated need for more housing of a larger size in this location that could not be resolved on this site through the re-use of existing buildings. Therefore, the proposed development is anticipated to better meet the city’s housing needs.”

The Wynford estate was built in the 1960s on the site of the former Maryhill Barracks, which closed in 1960. The development site includes the land where the four high-rises and the former Maryhill Hub building stood, as well as open space and a playground.

Under the new plan, homes would be delivered over 24 blocks ranging between two and eight storeys, with 340 flats, 12 duplex flats and 49 terraced houses. A new community hub, which will be owned and managed by the council, is also included.

A separate application from Wheatley is currently under consideration to replace an old blaes pitch with a new sports pitch, street furniture and outdoor gym equipment.

Council planners state the proposal has been “distinguished from the main residential development to enable the applicant to accelerate these works, in recognition of the importance of this facility to the existing community”.

Wheatley’s application stated: “This diverse range of high quality homes will bring much needed family accommodation to the area to allow multi-generational living and growing families. 

“The aspiration for the development is to create One Wyndford: a landscape-led neighbourhood that brings together the existing estate and new homes into a single, connected place. 

“The masterplan prioritises walkable streets, safe and attractive routes for walking and cycling, and a public realm that supports everyday movement and social life.”