CONTEXT AND JUSTIFICATION
Much of Glasgow’s character in the City Centre and Inner Urban Area is owed to the traditional sandstone buildings. Large parts of Glasgow’s Inner Urban Area character were lost through the removal of traditional sandstone tenements and terraced houses in the 1960s and early 1970s. Significant improvement to remaining sandstone properties, particularly tenements, has taken place bringing a new lease of life to residential districts. Many tenements remain which are in need of repair and improvement and the Council will encourage schemes which seek to retain and improve such property. Traditional villas occasionally come under pressure for redevelopment and their removal could adversely affect the character of the surrounding area. The Council supports the retention and improvement of Glasgow’s traditional sandstone housing stock, wherever possible.
POLICY
1. There is a presumption in favour of retaining and improving traditional good quality sandstone buildings - tenements, terraces and villas in all areas of the City, in particular, in conservation areas, listed buildings, on main road corridors, in the City Centre, and in areas whose character and urban design is formed predominantly by sandstone tenements, terraces and villas.
2. Proposals which seek to demolish, or partially demolish, such property and redevelop the site will have to provide a reasoned justification which addresses all relevant factors in support of the development. This should include evidence of structural condition, options to retain the property and details of its economic viability, the architectural and urban design merits of the proposal and market considerations. In the event of a building proving too costly to retain and improve, façade retention should be considered in sensitive areas and locations whose townscape and character are likely to be adversely affected were the building to be removed altogether. See also policies:
HER 1: Conservation Areas
HER 2: Listed Buildings (Buildings of Architectural and Historic Importance)
CC/DEV 1: Development Guidelines for the City Centre
DES 1: Reinforcing Local Character and identity
DES 3: Building Design and Materials.