HOUSING bosses have offered to meet with community activists who branded a new development, ‘generic and lacking imagination’ and raised concerns about parking shortages.

Maryhill Housing Association (MHA) has submitted a planning application for 65 flats for rent on Maryhill Road, Whitelaw Street and Cowal Road, which it says will provide a ‘new landmark’ for the area.

The development is part of £15.3million spend on 105 new homes for the area - the biggest housebuilding programme for years, according to the association.

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The properties, which have been designed by Elder and Cannon Architects, will include some “mid-market” rent as well as low-cost ownership housing to help people get a foot on the property ladder.

However, in a letter to MHA and Elder and Cannon Architects, members of the Maryhill and Summerston Community Council likened the development to a ‘multi-storey carpark’ and concerns were raised about a lack of parking at the site, with 54 spaces being made available.

The housing association has now offered to meet with the community council to discuss their concerns but vowed to continue its ambitious housebuilding programme.

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Bryony Willett, Chief Executive of MHA, said: “She said: “We know these types of housing are badly needed in Maryhill as result of research carried out by ourselves earlier this year.

"People will undoubtedly welcome this significant announcement because it shows that a community-based housing association like Maryhill is committed to building new homes."

New homes are also planned for Rothes Drive, on the site of the old Ferguson Anderson Care Home and at Smeaton Street.