PLANS to turn a former Bridgeton job centre into flats have been rejected by the city council.

Spectrum Properties had applied to turn the Muslin Street building, which was closed by the UK Government in 2018, into 49 homes.

Its application stated the scheme would “contribute to the local area providing additional good quality private rental apartments that are in great demand”.

Four objections to the development were received by Glasgow City Council.

READ MORE: Glasgow schools could close if indoor house gathering ban does not stop Covid rate

The Department for Work and Pensions announced a programme of job centre closures across the UK in 2017.

The office on Muslin Street closed in February 2018 and was marketed by Savills.

Spectrum Properties purchased the site in April this year and proposed the change of use.

The company believed the plans would provide a “sustainable re-use of a redundant building” as there is “little likelihood of the building being returned to a commercial use due to lack of demand”.

“The proposals require minimal structural intervention and provide 49 residential apartments in an area with little other alternative than housing associations, with long waiting lists,” the application added.

One nearby resident was opposed to the “low standard” of housing proposed, saying: “The Bridgeton community deserves better than this.”

Another said: “I object to this standard of housing in our community.

“The small size of the units, single aspect, and no green space create a depressing living standard that will be detrimental to the community and to the mental health of occupants.”

READ MORE: Glasgow cases rise again on first day of new lockdown in place​

Bridgeton and Dalmarnock Community Council believes the development “would be detrimental to our local community and its intended residents”.

Spectrum had wanted to provide a mixture of one and two bed flats for private rent.

“There is no doubt there is a significant requirement for private rented accommodation within the city, with Bridgeton being without exception,” the plans stated.

“The proposals provide two flat types with communal facilities lacking in many similar developments

“To the rear of the site it is proposed to reduce the extent of the car park to provide residential amenity, with planting to encourage biodiversity, as well as a reconfigured car park to accommodate disabled parking spaces.”