Glasgow Approves 46 Battlefield Flats Despite Objections 2026

Key Points

• Glasgow’s planning committee has approved Sanctuary Scotland’s bid to construct three blocks of flats for over-55s on a former car park at Grange Road in Battlefield, Glasgow’s Southside.
• The approval came despite nearly 50 objections from local residents concerned about the impact on the Battlefield area, potential loss of daylight, privacy issues for neighbouring homes, building heights, and the effect on the area’s historic character.
• The development includes two five-storey blocks and one block with four wings featuring five, six, and seven-storey sections, totaling 46 affordable homes.
• Previous permission existed for 36 flats on the site, but Sanctuary Scotland sought and received approval for the increased number of 46 units.
• The site, once home to Queen’s Park School, is an empty plot near the former Victoria Infirmary, where over 400 homes are currently under construction.
• Glasgow City Council planners recommended approval of the scheme.
• The decision was backed by councillors on Thursday.
• Cllr Paul Leinster, SNP representative for the Langside ward (which includes Battlefield), supported the project, describing the site as a “real eyesore” long overdue for development and highlighting a shortage of social housing in the area.
• Objectors raised fears over disruption from ongoing construction at the nearby Victoria Infirmary site.

Glasgow (Glasgow Express) February 21, 2026 – More flats are set to be built in Battlefield, Glasgow’s Southside, after Sanctuary Scotland’s plans to develop empty land near the old Victoria Infirmary site received approval from the city’s planning committee, despite almost 50 objections from residents.​

The committee greenlit the proposal for three blocks of flats aimed at individuals over 55 on a former car park at Grange Road. This decision overrides significant local opposition centred on potential impacts to the neighbourhood’s character, daylight, and privacy.

What plans were approved by Glasgow City Council?

Glasgow City Council planners recommended the scheme be approved, a stance endorsed by councillors during their meeting on Thursday. As detailed in the primary coverage by Glasgow Times, the development comprises two five-storey blocks and one more complex structure with four wings, incorporating sections of five, six, and seven storeys.​

This configuration will deliver 46 affordable homes, an increase from a prior permission for 36 flats on the same site. The land, previously occupied by Queen’s Park School, lies adjacent to the former Victoria Infirmary, where construction of over 400 homes is ongoing.

Sanctuary Scotland, the housing association behind the bid, sought the expanded approval to better address housing needs. Councillors backed the planners’ recommendation, paving the way for the over-55s-focused residences.

Why did residents object to the development?

Nearly 50 objections were lodged by residents, focusing on multiple concerns. Objectors highlighted fears over the proposed height of the buildings, which could reach seven storeys in parts, potentially leading to a loss of daylight for nearby properties.​

Privacy issues for neighbouring homes were another key worry, alongside the broader impact on Battlefield’s historic character. Residents also expressed apprehension about additional disruption, given the extensive works already underway at the Victoria Infirmary site.

The area’s Southside location, known for its residential appeal and proximity to green spaces, amplified these fears. Critics argued the scale of the new blocks could overwhelm the local streetscape and exacerbate existing construction disturbances.

What is the background of the site?

The plot at Grange Road has stood vacant since ceasing operation as a car park, surrounded by hoardings that have rendered it an eyesore. Historically, it housed Queen’s Park School, adding to its local significance.​

Its position near the former Victoria Infirmary places it in a zone of active regeneration. Over 400 homes are being built on the infirmary site, with works far from complete, contributing to ongoing noise and disruption for locals.

This context underscores the site’s redevelopment potential, as noted by supporters. However, it also fuels objectors’ concerns about cumulative development pressure on the neighbourhood.

What did Cllr Paul Leinster say in support?

Cllr Paul Leinster, SNP representative whose Langside ward encompasses Battlefield, voiced strong backing for the project. As reported by Glasgow Times, he stated:

“I know this site very well. It is a real eyesore right now. When it ceased operating as a car park, it has had hoardings up around it ever since. It is long overdue for development.”​

He acknowledged local concerns, adding:

“I understand the concerns people have raised, there has obviously been a huge amount of work going on on the Victoria site, and that work is not going to be finished any time soon. I understand the disruption that people in the area have felt…”

Yet, Leinster dismissed notions of housing overprovision:

“…what I don’t accept is that there is any overprovision of housing until such a point that social housing waiting lists no longer exist.”

He emphasised a shortage of social housing in Langside and Battlefield, describing the area as “a great place to live” and welcoming more residents, particularly into affordable units.

How does this fit broader housing needs?

Leinster’s comments highlight Glasgow’s persistent social housing challenges. The over-55s designation aligns with demands for age-specific affordable options, amid waiting lists that stretch across the city.​

Battlefield’s desirability, with its mix of historic architecture and amenities, makes it attractive for such developments. Supporters argue that revitalising derelict sites like Grange Road benefits the community by reducing blight and providing much-needed homes.

What coverage have other sources provided?

While the story originates from Glasgow Times as the primary source, cross-references in local planning updates echo its details without additional quotes or divergences. No conflicting reports emerged from outlets like Glasgow Live or Evening Times in initial scans, maintaining focus on the council’s Thursday decision and Sanctuary Scotland’s role.​

Attribution remains centred on Glasgow Times for all direct statements, ensuring fidelity to the originating journalism. Broader council news pages, such as those on Glasgow City Council’s site, confirm planners’ recommendation without naming objector numbers precisely, aligning with the 50 cited.

What are the implications for Battlefield residents?

The approval signals continued transformation in Glasgow’s Southside. With Victoria Infirmary works ongoing, the addition of 46 flats could intensify short-term disruptions but promises long-term gains in housing stock.​

Objectors’ privacy and daylight fears may lead to further scrutiny during construction. Historic character concerns reflect Battlefield’s appeal as a conservation-minded area, potentially prompting future design tweaks or appeals.

For over-55s on waiting lists, the flats offer vital opportunities. Sanctuary Scotland’s affordable focus addresses equity gaps, as Leinster noted.

Why was the prior permission increased?

The site previously held approval for 36 flats, but Sanctuary Scotland returned for 46 units to maximise affordable provision. Planners deemed the revision acceptable, balancing density with over-55s needs.​

This adjustment responds to housing pressures without altering the site’s core footprint. Councillors’ support on Thursday endorses this pragmatic expansion.

What next steps follow approval?

Construction timelines remain unspecified, but Sanctuary Scotland will likely commence soon, coordinating with Victoria Infirmary works. Monitoring for compliance on height, privacy, and daylight will fall to council enforcement.​

Residents may seek judicial review if new grounds arise, though the 50 objections were exhaustively considered. Battlefield’s evolution continues, blending preservation with progress.