AN ELDERLY man who was told he couldn’t extend his licence on his West End flat because of his age has successfully appealed the council’s decision.

George Waddell, believed to be in his 70s, submitted an application to renew his Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licence for the property on Vinicombe Street in March.

This was refused by the licensing committee following concerns about his age and inability to answer questions from the committee and relying on a solicitor to speak on his behalf.

At the time Hillhead councillor Ken Andrew had pointed out there were problems with the gable end of the building, which has been branded dangerous, since 2014.

A document submitted to the council on behalf of Mr Waddell stated that refusing an extension on the HMO licence on the grounds of the applicant’s age was not justified.

It also stated that concerns regarding the applicant’s ability to manage the living accommodation properly, the fact that the applicant had not taken legal action against other owners within the building, nor had he contributed to cost of common repairs was not an acceptable reason to refuse the licence.

Following the appeal, councillor Andrew said: “He was an elderly gentleman hard of hearing but regardless of that his property should still be in a good condition.

“The situation is unfortunate and I felt awful objecting but this gentleman could have made arrangements to help the committee engage with him.

“All properties must be maintained to a suitable standard.”

The building had previously been served with a dangerous buildings notice and fenced off to protect anyone passing from falling masonry.

At the original committee, five councillors voted to refuse the application while three voted to approve subject to conditions.

A spokesman for the council said: “All applicants have the right of appeal against a decision by the committee and in this case the applicant’s appeal was successful. The application for the renewal of an HMO licence, in this case, will now be granted.”