PLANS to convert an old workshop in Gallowgate into a hotel have been thrown out following an appeal amid concerns it would become a homeless hostel.

A lack of parking and tourist amenities and that it was contrary to the City Development Plan were discussed by councillors.

Dozens of objections to the original application were lodged on the basis it could become a hostel like the Bellgrove Hotel, a homeless hostel infamous for drink and drug abuse and violence.

The appeal was heard Glasgow City Council’s Planning Local Review Committee yesterday.

Councillor Allan Casey said: “I don’t think anything we’ve received outweighs the previous decisions on this application.”

An original application was lodged in June last year by Al-Asma Ahmad and ended up being rejected.

A total of  56 residents and local politicians objected to the plans.

They feared it would descend into a hub of antisocial behaviour like the notorious Bellgrove.

Glasgow Central SNP MP, Alison Thewliss made a submission tot he committee.

She said: “There are concerns that this will worsen anti-social behaviour in the area, which is already present in the nearby Bellgrove Hotel.

“There are drug and alcohol issues in the local community, which residents feel would be worsened by attracting people to a hostel-type accommodation.”

In a representation at the appeal, the applicant rejected the notion it would become another Bellgrove, however.

Along with the concern it could turn into a hostel, councillors discussed how the area is safeguarded for housing in the city development plan.

The windows of the hotel would allow guest to peer into nearby dwellings.

The increase in traffic and parking, from both guests and routine servicing would cause problems.

Councillor Glen Elder said: “I’m concerned about the entrance and egress – service vehicles coming in and out on a road with a double-sided bus lane.”

The entrance is a three-metre-wide pathway that cars would be expected to drive up – as the courtyard included disabled parking bays.

“Going from the photos it would be hard to see how cars and guests could pass each other going through courtyard entrance,” added Councillor Michael Cullen.

Councillors did say they can understand why a developer would want to build a hotel but ultimately decided to refuse the appeal.