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A controversial development in the Bohemian heart of Glasgow's West End has had its planning permission extended despite objections from residents and business owners.

A plan to build three residential blocks in Otago Lane, comprising of four townhouses and 45 flats, was originally approved in 2012. There were 797 letters of objection submitted and a petition with 3535 signatures.

Today the proposal was back in front of Glasgow's Planning Committee, with developers looking to extend the planning permission.

And despite further objections, councillors have approved the extension.

Many concerns centered on the development being out of keeping with the tone of the area.

Otago Lane is a cultural hub and home to several iconic West End establishments.

Second hand book shop Voltaire and Rousseau has been a go-to place for unique literature since opening in 1972. Brothers Joe and Eddie who currently run the shop will go out of their way to track down out of print titles and source unique books at auctions and from collectors.

And Mixed Up Records, also based in Otago Lane is one Glasgow's most iconic record shops, specialising in vinyl as well as CDs and DVDs.

Tchai-Ovna in Otago Lane is one of the city's most loved tearooms, serving speciality teas and vegetarian dishes.

Objectors were also concerned about the new blocks overlooking exisitng properties and leading to loss of light.

There were also environmental concerns at the site, which sits close to Kelvingrove Park.

Green Party councillor Martha Wardropm who represents the Hillhead ward, was one of those who objected to the renewing of the planning permission.

She said: “Successive attempts at improving the water quality of the River Kelvin have been rewarded by the return of salmon, brown trout, lampreys, and european eels.

"The disturbance of the riverbank next to Otago Lane due to the proposed construction works for 45 flats and 4 townhouses would jeopardise the river ecosystem throughout this area.

"There are 'wild' areas along this stretch of the riverbank that are significant as they are botanically diverse and provide vital wildlife habitats, which is not what you would get from the proposed flatted development with associated landscaping.

"The proposed development would substantially overshadow the neighbouring properties on Otago Lane and significantly reduce the natural light available.

"The height and number of the proposed buildings will result in the current flats and shops in Otago Lane being entirely encircled and overshadowed by buildings up to 7-storeys larger.

"The existing flats and shops within Otago Lane are a mews dating from the early nineteenth century and should be protected from the proposal for 45 flats and 4 townhouses by the Council’s planning policy on historic back lanes and gardens.

"The developers proposal will destroy the unique character of an existing early nineteenth century mews and cobbled lane, is substantively out of proportion with the existing properties, and will overshadow, overlook and restrict light to the Otago Lane area."

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