PLANS to build more than 30 homes for social rent in the Gorbals are recommended for approval despite a petition opposing the development.

Glasgow councillors will decide on Tuesday whether to give New Gorbals Housing Association permission for an eight-storey block of flats at the junction of Crown Street and Laurieston Road.

There have been 23 letters objecting to the plans and a petition signed by 54 people was submitted to the council.

Issues raised include inadequate space for car parking in the area, a lack of public engagement and a loss of greenspace.

One resident said: “The traffic and parking are already absolutely ridiculous and adding a development like this with no extra parking provisions will obviously add to the already frustrating issue.”

The petition adds the “proposed parking solution” is “completely unworkable”.

Some objectors also believe the design is out of character with the area, the development could overshadow neighbouring flats and a negative impact on pedestrian safety.

The potential strain on “already over capacity” local primary schools was also raised.

However, council officers recommend permission should be granted and state the proposals are “an appropriate response for the site”.

“The site doesn’t currently provide a quality greenspace function, unlike the nearest park, Gorbals New Park, circa 300m away,” a report to the planning committee adds.

“There is no reason to support the suggestion that the development will result in a significant rise in pollution or health issues.”

The report states all neighbours within 20 metres of the site were notified and the proposed flats “will not impact on pedestrian movement”.

The capacity of schools is “not a material consideration in this instance”.

Developers building outwith the city centre are expected to provide one parking space per flat for residents.

But the report states: “The applicant’s agent has confirmed that the allocation process for the flats will identify applicants who do not require a parking space.

“Applicants will be advised that if they think they may require a parking space they should not accept an offer of accommodation within this development.”

The applicant has also said “existing social rented tenants have a low car ownership rate”.

New Gorbals Housing Association does own and manage 111 car parking spaces within 300 metres of the site “if parking was to become a future issue”.

If approved, there will be 11 two-bedroom flats and 22 three-bedroom flats.