A FRESH row has erupted in the West End over a controversial development site in a conservation area, after a large crack appeared on the road next to residents’ doorsteps.

Home owners on Wilton Street in Kelvinside hit out at developers who are currently building 19 flats on the site of a disused and now demolished gym on nearby Fergus Drive. 

Residents have raised concerns surrounding the size of the crack – claiming that the construction work led by Westpoint Homes at the Kibble Hiehgts develpoment has commenced “without proper 
scrutiny”. 

Glasgow Times:

Glasgow Times:

READ MORE: Families fight to block Wilton Street flats after horror Glasgow tenement collapse

Their fears come 13 years after a catastrophic tenement collapse on the same street, which happened after work began to create an underground car park.

Resident Nick Higgins said: “Around two weeks ago we noticed a visible crack and it has clearly got a lot, lot bigger. You can see now that there’s not only a visible split, but the cobbles on the road are actually starting to spread out too. 

“The residents have been concerned for a long time that this development was allowed to proceed without the proper scrutiny. 

“Our concern has always been that this build is far too close to the road and far too close to our properties.

Glasgow Times:

READ MORE: Glasgow development sparks noise and safety complaints

 “We feel the developers are trying to squeeze far too much out of the plot and as a consequence of that, it is now having an effect on our road and the surrounding areas – which was completely predicted.

“It’s frustrating for the residents because these are all predictable issues and we are the ones who are paying the brunt of it.

“We have real safety concerns for the potential of this build. If this crack has grown to this size in two weeks, what will happen in two months’ time? This ground is essentially the foundations of our homes.”

Glasgow Times:

Glasgow Times:

Glasgow City Council received an influx of complaints in August after excavation work at the development led to vibrations being felt inside residents’ homes. 

Environmental Health visited the site and said an issue with the excavation hitting rock had caused excessive noise and vibration. 

Resident Alison Hutcheson said: “It’s concerning to see the crack opening up. We were all worried after they spent eight hours piling into solid rock that there might be damage being caused that wouldn’t immediately become apparent.”

Sam Gardiner, who also lives close to the development, said: “It is very concerning, a few years ago a building very close to this street collapsed as it had been undermined. 

“We campaigned against it due to the fact it was too high and too close to our properties. It essentially is being developed on the foundations of our homes. 

“That crack shouldn’t be there. All the cobbles are also loose... it makes you wonder, how has this happened?”

Glasgow Times:

A spokesman for Westpoint Homes said: “We are aware of the above issue and have consulted Glasgow City Council, the roads department and building control. 

“The area has been coned off where the crack is located to prevent parking. Westpoint Homes has arranged for the crack to be sealed early next week, following this the area will be monitored.”

Glasgow City Council said work is currently under way to repair the crack while the authority liaises with Westpoint Homes to ensure public safety is maintained. 

A spokesman said: “We have taken steps to make safe the fault on the road surface and we are liaising with the developer to ensure the fault is rectified. We will continue to work with the developer to ensure this situation is properly monitored and public safety is maintained.”