Plan for ‘luxury’ care home on bowling green site loses appeal

Firm Northcare Scotland appealed to the Scottish Government after Glasgow City Council rejected its bid to construct the residential care home on Helensburgh Drive at Anniesland tennis and bowling club.

Residents objected to the proposal expressing a number of concerns including the loss of green space overlooking and light pollution.

Northcare said the facility would generate 90 permanent jobs and its proposed community garden would be of more use than a “surplus bowling club.”

Last week the Scottish Government reporter decided to uphold the council’s decision not to grant planning permission for the 60 bedroom home, which would have seen the bowling club demolished.

Dismissing the appeal, the reporter said the “proposed development does not accord overall with the relevant provisions of the development plan and that there are no material considerations which would still justify granting planning permission.”

Labour Victoria Park councillor Eunis Jassemi said: “The decision by the Scottish Government to throw out the appeal regarding the proposed development of Anniesland Bowling Club is to be welcomed.

“The people of Jordanhill made their position clear on this planning application and on the previous application too and I am disappointed that the developer has not responded to the concerns that were raised.

“Residents have been building a strong grassroots campaign that will offer a real community alternative to the land.”

In an appeal statement to the Scottish Government, agents for Northcare Scotland argued the “surplus bowling green does not and could not have any Alternative Use Value.”

It also said community garden, proposed as part of the development “would better serve the local community than the surplus bowling green” and “the development proposal accords with the development plan.”

A design brief submitted to the council showed plans for the care home included a cinema, spa community cafe and cocktail bar. During the council application process Northcare said there was a need in Jordanhill for a “quality care provision” and the facility would create 90 permanent jobs.