EXCITING proposals for new apartments with a commercial store and rehearsal studio along the Forth and Clyde Canal are expected to be approved by councillors today.

Members of the Glasgow City Council planning committee have been recommended to grant permission for the 182 apartments on the abandoned land between Farnell Street and Sawmillfield Street despite concerns from the local community and politicians.

A total of 28 objections have been received by councillor Ken Andrew, MSP Sandra White, MP Patrick Grady and 25 residents who are worried that the about the scale and height of the development and how it might affect their views over Speirs Wharf.

READ MORE: Kelvinside Academy plan to transform Kirklee playing fields

There are also concerns that the proposals might increase traffic, car parking requirements and noise pollution.

Hoxton Securities (Glasgow) is hoping to create a build-to-rent development for 182 flats over 20 storeys with one commercial unit facing Farnell Street.

Included in the development is a rehearsal space, and a combination of open areas and shared communal facilities. A proposed access road linking Farnell Street and Sawmillfield Street would be used to service the development.

Proposed is a mixture of one-, two-, and three-bedroom properties as well as some studio flats with the ground floor made up of a commercial unit, lobby/seating area, bin store and cycle storage for 258 bicycles.

The area around the canal at Port Dundas has changed dramatically over the last two centuries. It became a key terminal for goods arriving in the city during the 19th century with various industries operating from sites in the vicinity.

Following the decline of the canal and related industries during the 20th century, the site was most recently occupied by a Glasgow City Council cleansing depot.

In 2008, a masterplan for the area around Speirs Locks including the application site was adopted by the local authority. A proposal for a student residential development was subsequently approved on the site but was never implemented.

READ MORE: Ibrox land to be transformed for new water mains system for Glasgow

Despite there being a number of long-established wholesale food retailers operating from warehouses in the area, the area has emerged as a hub for the creative industries due to the availability of under-utilised premises and being in close proximity to the City Centre.

Successful creative organisations including Scottish Opera at 40 Edington Street and Royal Conservatoire Scotland at 210 Garscube Road are also nearby.

The Glue Factory at 22 Farnell Street has also become a popular venue for cross-artform exhibitions and community arts events.

The National Theatre of Scotland have their national headquarters at Rockvilla and the Glasgow Sculpture Studios have occupied the former whisky bond.

It is hoped that if approved the developers will be able to help with the transformation of the area and encourage locals to take part in the creative industries.

Councillors will be presented with the planning application at this morning's committee and will be encouraged to make a decision.