By VIVIENNE NICOLL

LOCAL residents in the West End have objected to plans to convert the former BBC Broadcasting House into a restaurant, conference and training centre.

Stefan King’s G1 Group, which operates bars and clubs across the city, has applied for permission to convert the former Queen Margaret College anatomy building which was designed by John Keppie and Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

The buiilding, which was constructed in 1895 just yards from Byres Road, is bounded to the east by new flats and townhouses.

It was enclosed and altered when the BBC took over the site and most of the original interior has been lost due to previous alterations.

Several years ago, planning permission was granted to convert the listed boradcasting building into a hotel.

The new plan would result in a function venue, conference suite and bar being created in the anatomy building.

If the scheme goes ahead, the training centre will be used by staff of G1, the restaurant will have capacity for up to 60 diners and the conference facilities will cater for up to 100 people.

A report to city councillors says: “Proposed external alternations include making good the fabric of the building following the removal of the non-original extensions and reinstatement of original architectural details which were lost when the site was used as broadcasting studios.

“It is considered the proposed development will secure the re-use of a vacant listed building and will not harm residential amenity or erode the character of the surrounding residential neighbourhood.”

G1 did not have to consult on the plans but held a community event which was attended by local residents and representatives from 10 different organisation.

A total of 10 objections to the plan have been submitted from local people, the Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland, Friends of Glasgow West and Buchinham and Hamilton and Ruskin Residents Association.

They are concerned about transport, road safety and parking issues, increased noise, the impact on neighbouring residents and the design of the building.

However, city planners have recommended it gets the go-ahead subject to conditions.