Plans to turn Muirend care home into Glasgow nursery

Developers want to transform the vacant Beeches Residential Home in Muirend into a daycare centre for up to 70 children with 12 members of staff. 

However, in March 2020, city council chiefs rejected a similar application, citing issues with the location, parking, play space, and catering. Complaints flooded in at the time with residents claiming the site would bring "substantial traffic". 

READ MORE: Scandal-hit ex-Govanhill slum landlord Anu Sarker launches nursery bid

In new documents submitted to planning chiefs, applicant Techno India argues it has taken the criticism onboard and made the necessary changes in its proposal. 

Planning documents state: "It is of significant importance that this building is an important Grade B listed building currently on the Buildings at Risk Register and only recently refurbished as a consequence of a major fire some years ago.

"As such it is imperative that a new use is found for the building to ensure that appropriate funding can be raised to complete the restoration work and to bring the property and grounds into active use.

"It is of some importance that the layout of the building and the various room sizes makes it difficult to compartmentalise the property into flats or separate units.

"As such single-use is considered the most appropriate option." 

Within a transport report, the developer states that the number of vehicles on site will not exceed five at any one time. Unlike the previous plan, it has also removed access to the corner of Langside Drive and Muirend Road and reduced the capacity from 100 children. 

However, some concerns have already been raised by the local community, with councillor Kyle Thornton submitting an official objection. 

In it, he wrote: "The position of the site is by a busy road and mini-roundabout. The site is inappropriate for the access and egress for a site for up to 70 children and 12 staff. 

Kyle Thornton

"The size of the facility would attract significant traffic volumes at peak times. 

"I reject the applicant's proposal that this is the only way to save a building at risk. This building and its ground would much better support their use for a residential property/properties." 

READ MORE: Former owner of 'squalid' care home loses Muirend nursery bid

The old application was submitted in controversial circumstances by Anu Sarker, who previously owned Glenglova Residential Home, which was shut down after the death of a “dehydrated and emaciated” woman. 

Speaking in 1994, Sheriff Daniel Convery described that home as a “squalid enterprise where frail and confused residents were kept as human livestock for money”.

Mrs Sarker, a former teacher, has defended the care provided, describing the accusations as “all lies”. 

Visit the council's planning website and use the reference 21/02515/FUL to view the proposals in full. A decision is expected later this year.