PLANS have been submitted which could see offices in the north west of the city converted into a community cafe.

Queens Cross Housing Association has submitted a change of use application to Glasgow City Council, requestion permission to open the cafe on Garscube Road.

It would be run by Flourish House, a charity supporting people with mental illnesses.

“The provision of this community cafe should act to strengthen the local neighbourhood by providing jobs and good quality food offer for local residents and workers,” a planning statement, submitted to the council by the applicant’s agent Collective Architecture, reveals.

Currently, the building, where three full-time staff are based, is used as a community facility by the housing association. Tenants can visit throughout the day for meetings.

If city chiefs grant permission for the cafe to go-ahead, it would be open from 9am to 5pm each day.

The planning statement adds two to three staff would be working at all times, with the vast majority of trade expected to be takeaway.

“We understand that one of the primary considerations relating to a change of use application is how the pattern and intensity of use will affect the amenity of residents.

“In order to simplify the process as much as possible to support the client and end-user’s aims to be in the unit as soon as possible we have simplified the proposal and reduced the complexity of both the build and the operational activities,” the report states.

Flourish House is expecting around 150 customers per day, it adds. The charity aims to enable people with mental illness to regain purposeful lives in the community.

It follows the Clubhouse model – community centres which provide members with opportunities to build long-term relationships and support them in gaining employment, education and housing.

Flourish House has a catering unit, which provides cafe services, including drinks, snacks and lunches.

Plans for the proposed cafe include repairing and painting the front of the building and a new sign, door and gate.

New cycle securing points have been installed near to the cafe.

“It is not anticipated that additional journeys by car or other forms will be generated by the new cafe as it intended to serve the local population,” the planning statement continues.

“The food offer is therefore aimed at this population rather than trying to draw people in from across the city.”