AN exotic tearoom will be forced to close if controversial plans to build more than 150 luxury apartments and shops get the go-ahead in the West End of Glasgow.

AN exotic tearoom will be forced to close if controversial plans to build more than 150 luxury apartments and shops get the go-ahead in the West End of Glasgow.

Martin Fell says he will have no option but to shut the Tchai-Ovna Tea House in Otago Lane, which is popular with students and musicians including Glasgow bands Sons and Daughters and Belle and Sebastian.

And near neighbour Peter Ashby has warned he will close Mixed Up Records.

Both are furious at the proposed multi-million pound development which will transform the lane off Otago Street.

Developer Hugh Scott has lodged plans with the city council. Planners say he wants to build two blocks of flats with commercial units and redevelop an existing block. One block will be nine-storeys high.

Mr Fell, 30, warned: "We don't want to close but we will be forced into closure if planning permission is given and the development goes ahead."

He says the plans will mean he will lose a community garden and a wooden veranda where customers can sit outside.

He said: "The disruption will be so bad that building work will drive our customers away."

The specialist tea house, which first began trading in the lane nine years ago, employs 10 permanent staff and eight part-timers.

Mr Ashby, 31, launched his second hand record store 10 years ago. It specialises in vinyl and is a magnet for DJs and avid collectors.

He said: "This development will completely change the character of the lane and will deter customers.

"I'll probably be looking for alternative premises if this goes ahead."

The lane also houses Kenneth Chapelle's workshop. He's an antique clock repairer and carries out assignments for the National Trust and museums.

The 61-year-old craftsman has been based in Otago Lane for almost 30 years and said: "I'm really concerned because I need daylight and a dust-free environment."

He is willing to bide his time to see what affect building work will have on his business if the development gets the green light. But residents living in six flats in the lane have also joined the campaign of opposition.

Mr Scott could not be contacted while his agent Colin Campbell did not respond to telephone messages.

Planners say the details submitted are complicated although a council spokeswoman insisted: "The development management process that the council's planning department undertakes when reviewing applications ensures any development is in accordance with our city plan policies.

"It is carried out in the best interests of the general public and the area in which the development is proposed."