WORK to transform Water Row can move forward after plans were approved by Glasgow councillors.

Planning permission in principle has been granted for a major residential and commercial development in Govan.

Land at Govan Cross Shopping Centre, Water Row and Govan Road will be developed in three phases.

Each phase will require a more detailed planning application and the number of houses has yet to be formally agreed.

READ MORE: Here are the major plans set to transform Govan and the River Clyde

However, the Water Row Masterplan for the regeneration of the area, approved in January last year, proposes a £57m scheme including more than 200 homes and 3500sqm of commercial space.

Councillor Robert Connelly said: "I think it is really good that we are getting more and more applications that are taking advantage of what we have in Glasgow with the Clyde."

He added he was "quite supportive" of the plans. "What has been shown to us today has been quite good."

Councillor Allan Casey praised the council and the developer for its "collaborative" approach to "taking forward regeneration".

And Bailie Josephine Docherty said "This is Glasgow at last coming into alignment with other major cities."

She added it was "one of the few cities which did not use its river".

Showpeople living in yards on Water Row are being relocated as part of the regeneration plans.

Alternative sites for two families are being considered but it is understood one family is continuing to oppose the move.

Around 30 letters of objection were also submitted to the council, including comments from the owners of Govan's shopping centre, Proudreed Real Estate Ltd.

The company did not oppose the redevelopment of the site but believed there was a "lack of detail" on the proposed commercial space.

However, a report by council officers stated the proposed commercial space is "supportive" of the town centre.

It added: "The application site does not include any works within the ownership of Govan Cross Shopping Centre."

The 9.5 acre development site is bounded by the River Clyde to the north, Napier Road and Napier Terrace to the east, New Govan Church, Govan Road and the shopping centre to the south and Govan Old Parish Church, Pearce Lane and Water Row to the west.

There are also plans for a Govan to Partick bridge, which would link with the development site.