by Eddie Harbison

PLANS to transform a derelict site in Glasgow’s East End have been criticised by cops.

The former Calton Church site, close to London Road, could be turned into 75 new homes if developers Thenue Housing get their way.

MAST Architects, working on behalf of Thenue, have laid out plans which will see a range of four to six storey flats built alongside two-floor houses. However, Police Scotland’s designing out crime officer, PC Stephen Canale, claimed some aspects of the development would “attract undesirables”.

He pointed to high levels of drug crime and prostitution as a reason against building a pathway between Abercromby and Tobago Streets.

PC Canale said: “A path through the north side of the development, which would lead on to Abercromby Street, would not be advisable due to the high volume of crime in the area, especially in relation to alcohol and drug misuse.

“I would suggest that this path would attract undesirables into the development.”

In a meeting with MAST chiefs prior to the planning application being submitted, officers also criticised the design of some of the homes.

Beth Reilly, head of property services at Thenue Housing, confirmed the concerns that were raised.

She said: “The area experiences high levels of crime associated with drugs, their supply and use and with accompanying prostitution.

“The association is currently working with agencies such as Police Scotland and Community Safety Glasgow in an effort to address this endemic problem. A pedestrian route at the north end of the site will provide a space for dealers, users and prostitution which will adversely affect the security and safety of the residents of this development. To say that the path can be supervised by passive measures such as windows into gables ignores the reality of life in the East End of Glasgow. Such passive surveillance does not work when residents are too frightened to phone and report incidents.”

If approved, the homes will range from one to five bedrooms, many with en-suites and parking spaces. A Thenue spokesman said: “These houses are much needed and we intend to deliver on our promise of providing new homes.

“We are hopeful that the planning application will be successful.”