PEOPLE living in six studio flats, developed within a B-listed building without planning permission, could be forced to leave their homes.

Work to transform the two ground floor properties at 520 Paisley Road West was carried out earlier this year.

Concerns were raised with Glasgow City Council’s planning committee and the company, Lets Direct Ld, submitted a retrospective application as a result.

Eleven letters of objection were lodged and included concerns regarding increased pressure on existing amenities and a higher demand for on-street parking.

The applicant claimed they were unaware of the need to obtain planning permission before proceeding with their development.

The ground and basement floors of the property previously formed two one-bedroom flats on each side of a common close.

But since Lets Direct Scotland Ltd took ownership of the property, various work has been carried out to create the six self-contained studio flats.

Four units have been created on the ground floor and a further two properties on the basement level.

The two remaining rooms in the basement would have been used as communal areas had the application been approved.

The proposals, which were considered by planning officers to be in accordance with the development plan, were discussed by the planning committee yesterday.

Blair Greenock, of development and regional services, said: “The work has already been carried out meaning this application is retrospective. There are 11 objections in total.

“The property is a B-listed building. The two ground floor flats have been transformed into four two-bedroom flats and two one-bedroom flats.”

Chairman Councillor Glenn Elder said: “This building is right next to Ibrox. On match days residents won’t be able to park because it will be cordoned off.”

Councillor Malcolm Cunning added: “I share some of the concerns already expressed and I am worried about this retrospective planning application.

“I don’t dispute the quality of work carried out but the applicant has chosen to disregard the rules of the planning authority.”

Councillor Allan Casey said: “If this work has been carried out without permission it means the insurance is invalid.”

Councillor Hanzala Malik said: “The more I hear about this case the more it frightens me. This development has the potential to open up a whole kettle of worms.”

Despite recommendations to grant the retrospective planning application, subject to conditions, Councillor Michael Cullen moved to refuse the motion which was unanimously agreed by members.

A council spokesman said: “Our planning enforcement team will now consider what appropriate enforcement action to take related to this case and this will be informed by scrutiny of the decision of the planning application committee.”

Let’s Direct Scotland Ltd have said they will consider the decision of the council and may appeal.