Glasgow Approves 46 Social Rent Homes at Grange Road Battlefield 2026

Key Points

• Glasgow City Council granted planning permission on 23 February 2026 for 46 modern social rent homes at the former Queen’s Park School site on Grange Road.​
• The development is led by Sanctuary Scotland and targets people over the age of 55, featuring high-quality, energy-efficient apartments with lift access and varying needs accommodations.
• The site has been vacant since 2019, previously used as a car park after school demolition between 1995 and 2006.​
• Plans include two five-storey blocks and a third building with four wings from five to seven storeys, plus a private communal garden, publicly accessible green space, and 14 car parking spaces.
• Excellent public transport links in the area support reduced car reliance, aligning with Scotland’s National Planning Framework 4.​
• Part of the wider regeneration of the former Victoria Hospital site in Battlefield, delivering mixed-tenure homes, new streets, and public realm improvements.​
• No significant impact on nearby heritage assets like Battlefield Rest and the historic battlefield; opportunities for public art to celebrate local history.​
• Addresses Glasgow’s housing emergency by providing affordable options amid high house prices and private rents; tackles fuel poverty and carbon emissions.
• Revised from original February 2024 approval of 36 homes to 46, with planners confirming no adverse impact on local amenities.
• Gillian Lavety, development director for Sanctuary Homes Scotland, welcomed the approval as a positive step for affordable housing in Southside Glasgow.
• Construction to start after planning conditions agreed, contributing to Southside transformation.​

Glasgow (Glasgow Express) February 24, 2026 – Glasgow City Council has granted planning permission for 46 much-needed social rent homes on the former Queen’s Park School site at Grange Road, marking a significant step in addressing the city’s housing crisis. Led by Sanctuary Scotland, the project will deliver energy-efficient apartments for over-55s on long-vacant brownfield land in the Battlefield area. This approval revives a site dormant since 2019, transforming it into sustainable housing amid limited social rent options locally.

What is the location and history of the Grange Road site?

The development sits at the former Queen’s Park School on Grange Road, at the junction with Prospecthill Road and Battlefield Road, opposite Sanctuary Scotland’s redevelopment of the former Victoria Infirmary. School buildings were demolished between 1995 and 2006, after which the area served as a car park until lying empty from 2019. As reported in Scottish Housing News, this brownfield site has now been approved for productive use, providing affordable homes where house prices and private rents remain out of reach for many residents.

Planning officers highlighted the site’s high public transport accessibility, making it ideal for sustainable development under Scotland’s National Planning Framework 4, which prioritises locations reducing private vehicle dependence. Bdaily also noted the transformation of this vacant land into energy-efficient apartments tailored for older residents.

Who is leading the Grange Road housing development?

Sanctuary Scotland, a housing charity, is spearheading the project as part of its broader masterplan for the former Victoria Hospital site. The masterplan has already delivered hundreds of new homes across mixed tenures, new streets, and public realm enhancements, fostering a vibrant Battlefield community. Earlier coverage by Scottish Housing News in 2022 detailed Sanctuary’s delight at initial permissions for over-55s housing here, stating a spokesperson:

“We are delighted to have been granted planning permission to move forward with this exciting development on the site of the old Queens Park Secondary School. The social housing we are building is much needed in the area and it’s particularly pleasing that this development will help bring this important site back to life.”

In 2021, Scottish Housing News reported Sanctuary seeking permission for affordable over-55s homes, with a design statement noting:

“The massing of the building picks up on the form of the Battlefield Rest (albeit on a larger scale), and also follows some of the form cues of ‘The Victoria’ opposite.”

Glasgow City Council planners had recommended approval, praising amended elevations in white facing brick for better integration.

What homes and features will the development include?

The approved scheme comprises 46 social rent homes in two five-storey blocks and a third building with four wings ranging from five to seven storeys. These energy-efficient amenity apartments cater to varying needs of over-55s, including lift access for comfort and independence. Additional features encompass a private communal garden, publicly accessible green space, and 14 car parking spaces.

As detailed by Scottish Housing News, the homes will be high-quality and modern, helping tackle fuel poverty through warmth and efficiency while cutting carbon emissions. Bdaily echoed this, emphasising the scheme’s response to strong demand with an increase from 36 to 46 units. Planners confirmed the extra 10 flats pose no threat to local amenities or services.

How does this fit into Glasgow’s regeneration efforts?

This project complements the Victoria Hospital masterplan, breathing new life into derelict Southside land. It creates balanced neighbourhoods with affordable options for older residents amid Glasgow’s housing emergency. Scottish Housing News highlighted its role in wider Battlefield revival, including mixed communities and public improvements.

The site’s proximity to heritage sites like Battlefield Rest and the historic battlefield was assessed positively, with no detrimental impact on listed buildings. Sanctuary Scotland has embraced suggestions for public art in the green space to honour local history. Overall, it supports sustainable regeneration by reusing brownfield land effectively.​

What did key figures say about the approval?

Gillian Lavety, development director for Sanctuary Homes Scotland, stated as reported by Scottish Housing News:

“This is a hugely positive step forward for Sanctuary Scotland and for Glasgow. We are proud to be delivering 46 high-quality, energy-efficient amenity homes for social rent in an area of the city where affordable housing is in very short supply.

These new homes will provide comfort, security and independence for older residents, while helping to address the wider housing crisis facing Glasgow. By transforming a long-vacant brownfield site into sustainable homes with excellent public transport connections and attractive green space, this development will make a lasting contribution to the regeneration of the former Victoria Hospital masterplan and the wider Battlefield community.”​

BdaiIy quoted the same statement from Gillian Lavety, underscoring its importance for Southside. Earlier, a Sanctuary spokesperson told Scottish Housing News in 2022: “The social housing we are building is much needed in the area.”​

What is the timeline and next steps for construction?

Construction is slated to commence once planning conditions are agreed, with the homes poised to aid local housing needs and Southside transformation. This follows the revised approval on 23 February 2026, building on the original February 2024 permission. Scottish Housing News noted the swift progression post-revision, positioning the project as key to ongoing regeneration.

Why is this development crucial amid Glasgow’s housing crisis?

Glasgow faces a well-documented housing emergency, with limited social rent amid soaring prices. These 46 homes contribute meaningfully, targeting over-55s in a high-need area while promoting sustainability. By activating brownfield land, it combats fuel poverty and emissions, aligning with national priorities.

BdaiIy described it as advancing amid strong demand, part of efforts to forward social housing for older residents. The increase to 46 units reflects planners’ confidence in its benefits without local drawbacks.

Has the site been proposed for development before?

Yes, initial plans date to 2021 when Sanctuary sought permission for over-55s affordable housing, as covered by Scottish Housing News. Approval came in 2022 after public consultation and design tweaks, with planners recommending it. The 2024 approval for 36 homes was expanded in 2026 to 46, per Scottish Housing News.

What broader context surrounds Battlefield and Queen’s Park?

The area features significant heritage, including the historic battlefield, with the development respecting its setting. Nearby Queen’s Park consultations, reported by BBC, involve enhancements like playgrounds and lighting, with Councillor Jon Molyneux stating:

“Beyond its evident function as a green space, the park serves as a significant social and economic resource for the southside, and it is highly esteemed by the local community.”

Councillor Soryia Siddique added it could safeguard history while improving facilities. This housing fits into southside revitalisation, as reported by Sarah Hilley of Local Democracy Reporting Service for BBC.