A CONTROVERSIAL plan to build flats in a West End lane has sparked more than 4000 objections.

A developer wants to construct four townhouses and 45 flats on a site bounded by Otago Street, Otago Lane and the River Kelvin.

Planning bosses have recommended the scheme gets the go-ahead and tomorrow councillors are due to consider the application.

But the plan, by Otago Street Developments, has enraged local residents and a petition in protest has been signed by 3535 people.

There are also more than 600 individual objections.

Hillhead councillor Martha Wardrop, MSPs Patrick Harvie and Sandra White and MPs Alan Reid, Jo Swinson and Alistair Carmichael have all objected along with Hillhead Community Council and Woodlands and Park Community Council.

In 1988, planning permission was granted for 89 flats on the Otago Street site but they were never built.

A further application for 48 flats got the go-ahead in 1997 but, again, work never got underway.

In 2009 a further application for housing was lodged with the city council but was withdrawn as it was considered invalid.

Last year, an application for 142 flats was submitted, but was withdrawn following a flood of objections.

If the latest plan gets the go-ahead, four townhouses, 14 three-bedroom, 20 two-bed and 10 one-bed flats will be built in three blocks.

Objectors have raised 31 points which they insist should result in the application being thrown out.

These cover the design, the residential amenity and layout of the development, the impact on the environment, parking, access and traffic as well as a range of general planning points.

Planning boss Richard Brown says in a report that buildings have covered most of the site since the early 20th century.

He adds: "It is considered the reintroduction of development on the north side of the lane is a positive step that will enhance the immediate vicinity and have a positive impact upon the conservation area.

"The proposal is considered to reflect historic building lines, it accommodates access for large vehicles, it provides amenity space for residents and is considered a high quality design."

But a large number of objectors have complained about the impact the new flats would have on their privacy and daylight.

They have also objected to the design and scale of the development and raised concerns about noise, lack of amenity space and shortage of parking.

vivienne.nicoll@ eveningtimes.co.uk