RESIDENTS have been given an extra two days to lodge objections on a controversial plan to turn offices into housing for asylum seekers.

Glasgow City Council confirmed last night it had extended the deadline on comments for a proposal to use a former Scottish Water site in Balmore Road into short-stay accommodation for families seeking asylum.

Locals were originally given until today to have their say but it is understood a technical glitch with the online planning system left some locals unable to do so.

A council spokesman said: "We will accept comments on this application up until close of play on Friday."

The plans involve developing the two-storey office building into dozens of short-stay flats for people going through the process of claiming asylum.

There are also proposals for a 'migrant help' unit, a health screening clinic and a play area for children.

The building would be staffed by housing providers Orchard and Shipman, which works on behalf of Serco and the Home Office.

As the Evening Times has reported, asylum seekers will be moved from Petershill Drive - the last occupied block at the Red Road flats - into a hostel in Glasgow city centre until the new accommodation is ready.

It is understood the Red Road blocks will be demolished next year.

The move to extend the deadline on comments was welcomed by Patricia Ferguson, MSP for Maryhill and Springburn.

She said: "I am very pleased that the city council has extended the deadline for consultation responses to Friday at midnight.

This will give people a little more time to express their thoughts. I hope local people will take advantage of this extended deadline."

The move came after a drop-in meeting held at Lambhill Stables on Monday night sparked a heated debate.

Stephanie Simpson, chairwoman of Lambhill and District Community Council, said: "The main issues people have is that this is not an appropriate site.

"It's an industrial site. It's an office block they want to renovate and that doesn't seem adequate for families with kids.

"If there are any other comments then I would ask people to submit them or get in touch with me and I can compile them and submit them on Friday."

Andy Dalglish, from Serco, has said, with the planned demolition of the Red Road flats, they are making plans to ensure they can provide "safe, secure housing" for asylum seekers in their care.

rachel.loxton@ eveningtimes.co.uk