Glasgow contains a wide range of dwelling types and sizes, many of which have been converted to non-mainstream residential uses (see Definition). Areas where change of use is concentrated can lead to the erosion of residential amenity and change of character of a housing area. The Council supports the retention of housing stock for mainstream housing purposes but recognises there are situations where a change of use may be appropriate, depending on the type of use proposed, the location and the effects that use would have on the surrounding properties and area. This policy provides the framework within which proposals for the change of use of dwellings will be considered and highlights areas of the City where changes of use will be resisted. Policy RES 7 should be read in conjunction with RES 8: Guest Houses/Bed and Breakfasts, RES 9: Residential and Nursing Homes, RES 10: Care in the Community(Supported Accommodation), RES 11: Day Care Nurseries; RES 12: Childminding and RES 13: Multiple Occupancy.

There is a presumption in favour of retaining dwellings for mainstream residential accommodation. Where a change of use of dwelling is proposed it will be determined against the following criteria and other policies of the Plan.

1. The applicant will be expected to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Council that the development will fulfil a local need, will contribute positively to the provision of local community services and facilities and will not prejudice the quality of the residential character of the area and the amenity of neighbouring properties.

2. Areas subject to particular scrutiny will include conservation areas and any residential area where other considerations, such as townscape alterations to property, traffic generation, access, servicing, car parking and noise or other environmental consideration could adversely affect local amenity or safety. The test will be the conservation or enhancement of residential amenity and the environment.

3. There will be a presumption against the change of use of dwellings in:

(i) blocks, streets or areas where there are significant numbers of non-mainstream residential uses;

(ii) tenements and other residential property above ground floor level; and

(iii) semi-detached and terraced properties, if the use proposed is likely to have a detrimental effect on the neighbouring properties.

LOCAL AREA POLICIES

1. The change of use of mainstream dwellings will be strongly resisted in the following Conservation Areas:

Crosshill, Dennistoun, Dumbreck, Glasgow West, Millbrae, Park, St Vincent Crescent, Strathbungo and West Pollokshields.

Within these areas, there will be a presumption in favour of converting properties back into mainstream residential use.

2. Within the Newlands Conservation Area:

(i) Class 8 and 10 institutional uses will not be permitted in properties which have an elevation or frontage onto Langside Drive; and

(ii) the total number of Class 8 and 10 institutional uses in converted dwellings will be limited to a maximum of 15 units.

NON-MAINSTREAM RESIDENTIAL USE

Any use, other than a mainstream dwelling, including multiple occupancies, institutions and offices, that is made of a property whose original purpose was as a dwelling unit for a family or individuals.