Object to the proposed extension of the Tartan Lodge in Dennistoun by Monday 20 July

The owner of the Tartan Lodge hostel in the former Alexandra Parade Methodist Church at 235 Alexandra Parade along with their architect, Environmental Design Scotland, have applied to Glasgow City Council for planning consent to extend the hostel by providing an additional 16 rooms within a flat-roofed, red brick extension with internal connections to the existing building.

I have a series of objections to this proposed development which I have set out in my letter to Glasgow City Council below. If you agree, then please submit your own letter to Glasgow City Council citing the reference number 26/00904/FUL at: planning.representations@glasgow.gov.uk

Image of the Tartan Lodge, with a visualisation of the proposed brick extension

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 to Glasgow City Council. Ensure that your letter is dated on or before 20 July 2026 so it is valid.

Sarah Shaw

Head of Planning

Glasgow City Council

229 George Street

Glasgow G1 1QU

17 July 2026

Formal Objection to Planning Application: 26/00904/FUL Tartan Lodge, 235 Alexandra Parade, Glasgow G31 3AW for erection of an extension to hostel with associated works

I write to formally object to the above planning application on behalf of a substantial number of constituents who reside in the immediate vicinity of Tartan Lodge. As their parliamentary representative, I am compelled to ensure that the documented impact of this operation on the local community, as well as the flawed design of the proposed extension, are placed on record before any decision is reached.

I do not oppose the principle of providing temporary accommodation and support for vulnerable people experiencing homelessness. Everyone deserves the opportunity to rebuild their lives in a safe, dignified environment. However, this application concerns the suitability of this specific site expansion, the capability of the operator to manage it, and the architectural impact of the proposal. The evidence demonstrates that approving this extension would directly contravene key policies within National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) and the Glasgow City Development Plan (CDP).

My objection is grounded in the following planning considerations:

1.     Poor Design Quality and Impact on Historic Character (NPF4 Policy 7 & 14, CDP 1 & 9)

The existing premises occupy the former Alexandra Parade Methodist Church, a building of significant historic and architectural merit that contributes positively to the local townscape. The proposed extension is of an exceptionally poor design quality that fails to respect the character of this historic asset.

Specifically, the proposal to finish the extension in brick—rather than red sandstone to match the original building and the dominant architectural character facing the main road—is wholly inappropriate. NPF4 Policy 14 (Design, Quality and Place) and Glasgow CDP 1 (The Placemaking Principle) demand that new development is contextually appropriate and utilizes high-quality materials that respect the existing built environment. A brick extension tacked onto a historic red sandstone frontage represents a significant visual degradation of the streetscape.

Furthermore, over the years, the original building has suffered the loss of key architectural features, most notably the original slate sloped turret roof on the tower. If the applicant wishes to invest in the built fabric of this site, the reinstatement of these lost original features would be a far more appropriate and sympathetic focus for development. An unsympathetic brick addition does not enhance the site; it detracts from it, conflicting directly with NPF4 Policy 7 (Historic Assets and Places) and Glasgow CDP 9 (Historic Environment).

2.     Severe Detriment to Residential Amenity & Community Safety (NPF4 Policy 14 & CDP 1)

The existing operation has generated an unacceptable level of distress for neighbouring residents, culminating in a staggering 258 callouts to Police Scotland. Residents regularly endure shouting, disorder, aggressive behaviour, public drinking, suspected drug-related activity, and constant loitering at all hours. Local businesses have also reported a rise in theft associated with the premises.

NPF4 Policy 14 dictates that development proposals must be consistent with the six qualities of successful places—crucially, that they are "safe and pleasant." The sheer volume of police interventions and the daily disruption faced by families and elderly residents conclusively prove that this site is currently neither safe nor pleasant. Intensifying the use of a site that is already generating profound community distress directly violates this statutory principle.

3.     Incompatible Use and Unacceptable Cumulative Impact (NPF4 Policy 24)

There appears to be a significant discrepancy between the publicly promoted use of the premises and its actual day-to-day operation. While Tartan Lodge advertises itself as a boutique tourist hostel, constituents advise that it predominantly operates as temporary homeless accommodation.

Assessed as visitor accommodation, the proposal fails against NPF4 Policy 24 (Visitor Accommodation), which strictly requires that such developments must not have an unacceptable impact on local amenity. Regardless of its exact use class, expanding the footprint and capacity of the building constitutes overdevelopment in a sensitive residential context. The cumulative impact of increasing occupancy at a facility that already suffers from severe management deficiencies will inevitably exacerbate existing noise, anti-social behaviour, and public safety issues.

4.     Non-Compliance with Existing Planning Conditions

When previous planning consent was granted, conditions were attached to mitigate the impact on neighbouring properties. There is widespread concern within the community that several of these conditions have not been fully complied with or effectively enforced. Expanding a facility that has failed to respect its existing statutory obligations undermines public confidence in the planning system. The Planning Authority must formally establish whether all previous conditions have been fully discharged before any further intensification is contemplated.

Conclusion

Good planning ensures development is sustainable, responsible, visually appropriate, and compatible with its environment. The applicant has failed to demonstrate that the proposed extension protects the residential amenity, safety, or historic character of the local area.

I respectfully request that the Planning Authority rigorously examines:

1.     The architectural unsuitability of a brick extension on a historic red sandstone building, and the missed opportunity to restore the church's original turret roof.

2.     The documented volume of Police Scotland callouts (258 incidents) and the history of anti-social behaviour complaints.

3.     The applicant's compliance with previous planning conditions.

4. The undeniable contravention of the placemaking, design, and amenity protections enshrined in NPF4 and the Glasgow City Development Plan.

For all of these reasons, I urge the Planning Applications Committee to refuse this application.

Yours sincerely,

Paul Sweeney MSP

Member of the Scottish Parliament for Glasgow Region

(Scottish Labour and Co-operative Party)

Objection to Planning Application 2600904FUL Tartan Lodge 235 Alexandra Parade Glasgow G3.

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