CONTROVERSIAL plans by a property developer to transform flats earmarked for demolition into "ecotowers" are likely to be thrown out today.

CONTROVERSIAL plans by a property developer to transform flats earmarked for demolition into "ecotowers" are likely to be thrown out today.

Former Glasgow City Council housing chief turned property magnate Paul Mugnaioni offered to buy two blocks in Laurieston from Glasgow Housing Association and transform them into affordable apartments.

As reported in the Evening Times last week, Mr Mugnaioni's ambitious plan for the two towers, at Norfolk Court, would have seen them re-clad in thermally-efficient glass and powered by wind turbines.

However, a committee of local residents and housing associations strongly opposed the idea, saying it would put their long-standing masterplan to redevelop the area into jeopardy.

The council is also against Mr Mugnaioni's proposal for the same reasons.

GHA bosses today make the final decision at a meeting of their regeneration and investment committee.

The Evening Times understands they will knock back Mr Mugnaioni's offer, thought to be in the region of £6million.

The cost of demolition and clearance, scheduled for this summer, is £4m.

However, the property developer said he would now concentrate his efforts on other multi-storeys in the city - including the two remaining tower blocks at Norfolk Court and others in Ibrox and Maryhill.

Jimmy Mutter, chairman of the Laurieston steering committee, said the demolition of Norfolk Court was a key part of their plan for the area.

Mr Mutter, who has lived in the area all his life, said: "It's been a long time coming and people can't wait to see it happen."

A spokesman for Glasgow City Council said the existing masterplan would make a "significant contribution" to the regeneration of Laurieston.

He added: "The proposals reported in the media last week do not fit the strategy which has been agreed by all partners and the local community."

A spokesman for Mr Mugnaioni's company said it would continue to make the case for ecotowers.