PROTESTERS are expected to gather outside Glasgow City Chambers this morning as the fate of Otago Lane in the West End is decided.

A petition with almost 86,000 has been submitted to councillors by Save our Lane who want to prevent the development of flats at the rear of Otago Street and Otago Lane which would see the complete removal of the wildlife corridor.

After a decade of planning applications being rejected by the local community, a new planning application to build four townhouses and 49 flats, up to seven storeys high, was submitted to the local authority by Queensberry Properties.

READ MORE: Otago Lane: Plans revealed for flats in Glasgow's West End

A new proposal was submitted again in June to build four town houses and 45 adjoining flats with five different blocks between three and eight storeys high.

There are also plans to remove the raised footway to widen the carriageway on Otago Lane.

Residents have objected on the grounds of flood risk as the proposed flats are located on the river’s edge and would destroy the wildlife corridor.

Campaigners who won’t be allowed to speak at the meeting say the proposals are an “embarrassment”.

They said: “We are really upset we won’t be able to speak at the meeting. Our voice won’t be heard.

“This application is completely out of keeping with the flood plane and will also threaten the livelihoods of those working on Otago Lane”

Local campaigners first opposed large-scale residential development on the site in August 2009. Since then, ten subsequent planning applications for the site have been withdrawn.

READ MORE: Otago Lane: Campaigners slam developers after work restarts on site

The Save Our Lane group claim that that the plans do not follow Glasgow City Council’s Development Policies and Design Guidance.

The group say: “Otago Lane is a beautiful West End conservation area with unique independent shops, a small parking area and a charming mews building. All this is currently under threat.

“Not only will this irrevocably change the look and feel of the area but it may put the futures of the independent retailers at risk.”

Queensberry Properties has been approached for comment. The protest will start at 10.45am and the meeting will start at 11am.