Object the demolition of 83 Sword Street

I have recently written to the Glasgow City Council to oppose demolition of 83 Sword Street, Glasgow and erection of flatted residential development.

I have laid out my concerns and objections in my letter to the Development & Regeneration Services (DRS) below. If you agree, please submit your own letter to planning.representations@glasgow.gov.uk.

(Image: Glasgow City Council/ Planning)

The full text of my objection letter is below. You are welcome to use any or all parts of it in drafting your own letter.

Ms Suzanne Cusick

Case Officer

Development & Regeneration Services (DRS)

Glasgow City Council

229 George Street Glasgow

G1 1QU

25 August 2026

Dear Ms Cusick,

Objection to application 26/01285/PPP | Demolition of 83 Sword Street, Glasgow and erection of flatted residential development 

I am writing to formally object to planning application 26/01285/PPP, which seeks planning permission in principle for the demolition of the existing building at 83 Sword Street, Glasgow, and replacement with a four-storey residential development comprising 12 flats.

Having been contacted by local constituents and stakeholders affected by this proposal, I have significant concerns regarding the loss of community infrastructure, the impact on local placemaking objectives, and the wider implications for the sustainability of cultural and social assets within Dennistoun and the East End of Glasgow.

Loss of Community and Cultural Infrastructure

The existing building accommodates several small businesses and community organisations, most notably Dance HQ, a well-established dance studio that provides regular classes and activities for adults and children. Beyond its role as a commercial tenant, Dance HQ functions as an important community asset, supporting physical health, mental wellbeing, social cohesion, and cultural participation.

The organisation has made a notable contribution to Glasgow's cultural life through performances, educational activities, collaborations with visiting artists, and participation in major international events. The loss of such a facility would represent a significant reduction in the cultural and community infrastructure available to locals.

In my view, this demolition raises concerns under National Planning Framework 4 Policy 21 (Play, Recreation and Sport) and Glasgow City Development Plan Policy CDP11, which seek to safeguard facilities that contribute to community wellbeing and support cultural participation.

I would expect robust evidence demonstrating that the loss of these facilities has been fully assessed and that suitable alternative provision exists or can be delivered.

Conflict with the 20-Minute Neighbourhood Principle

A key objective of NPF4 Policy 15 is the creation and reinforcement of sustainable 20-minute neighbourhoods, where residents can access services, amenities, recreation, and cultural opportunities close to home. Dance HQ provides a valuable local service that can be accessed by residents without the need for private car travel and contributes to the diversity of facilities within the local area. The removal of an established community venue and its replacement with housing alone risks reducing the range of services available within walking distance and appears inconsistent with the broader aspirations of the 20-minute neighbourhood framework.

Concerns Regarding Overdevelopment and Local Character

I am concerned about the implications of the proposed scale and density of development on this site. The principle of intensifying the use of brownfield land must be balanced against the need to ensure that new development respects the character, function, and amenity of the surrounding area. Given the constrained nature of the site and the loss of existing active uses, careful consideration should be given to whether the proposal accords with the placemaking and design objectives contained within Glasgow City Development Plan Policy CDP1.

Travel, access and Parking Impacts

I note than Network Rail have submitted a substantial technical response to the planning application detailing all the accommodations that would be required to minimise disruption to the nearby railway line which, to my knowledge, has not been addressed by the applicant. Several very busy commuter services run through Bellgrove including services from Alexandria to Edinburgh, Milngavie services to Springburn serving many stations in the north of the city and Lanarkshire to Glasgow services. The potential for widespread disruption to railway users is too great based on the current submission.

The proposal also has the potential to increase pressure on local roads and parking provision due to road closures and construction traffic that are typically associated with demolition and development. Residents have raised concerns regarding the cumulative impact of additional housing on an area already experiencing parking and access pressures.

Lack of Engagement with Existing Occupiers

I further note the concerns expressed by current tenants regarding the apparent lack of direct engagement by the applicant prior to the submission of this planning application. Existing occupiers reportedly became aware of the proposal only following media coverage.

While I recognise that community consultation requirements vary depending on the nature of an application, the absence of meaningful engagement with businesses and organisations that may be displaced by the proposal is regrettable and has understandably caused considerable concern among those affected.

Conclusion

Whilst I acknowledge the urgent need for housing development across Glasgow, I do not believe that this should come at the expense of valued community and cultural facilities without compelling justification and a clear demonstration that policy requirements have been satisfied.

For the reasons outlined above, I respectfully request that Glasgow City Council consider these concerns carefully and note my objection based on the potential loss of an important community asset, conflict with relevant planning policies, and concerns regarding density, placemaking, and transportation impacts.

Yours sincerely,

Paul Sweeney MSP

Member of the Scottish Parliament for Glasgow Region

(Scottish Labour and Co-operative Party)

260826 planning objection 2601285PPP (1) (1).pdf

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