A new restaurant got the green light to open in Cardonald after a revised proposal was backed by council planners.

The applicant, SRA Ventures Ltd, had asked for permission to change the use of a shop at 58 Hillington Road South in February last year, but the bid was knocked back by Glasgow City Council.

An altered application, with changes to the ventilation system and proof that a retail use was no longer viable, has now been granted.

The ground floor unit, among a parade of shops including a bookmakers, pharmacy and convenience store on Hillington Road South, can be used as a restaurant, which will be able to open from 7am to midnight seven days a week.

A statement submitted on behalf of the developer said the proposal will “bring a long-term vacant unit back into active use” and “improve the appearance and character.”

The previous application to use the unit as a cafe was refused due to a lack of appropriate ventilation in the plans and because the company hadn’t “demonstrated the unit had been sufficiently marketed for retail use for a minimum of 12 months.”

In the new application, the developer claimed to have addressed the issues to make the proposal “satisfactory”, and provided further details on the ventilation system.

They added there is “no long-term viability” for retail in this location and the unit would remain vacant without a change of use.

“The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on town centres and retail operations with flexibility being required to ensure that centres remain viable and vibrant,” the plans stated.

“This proposal represents a viable opportunity to bring a prominent and vacant site back into active use in the community. The site is also in a beneficial position in that it is accessible by all modes of transport.”

The application stated a marketing campaign, and discussions with potential operators prior to the pandemic, had been to “no avail.”

It added: “It is considered that this proposal represents a natural evolution for the unit and will allow it to be redeveloped for active use in line with market demands.

“The proposal has reviewed the reasons for refusal in relation to the previously related planning application and has made a number of improvements to make certain that this is in compliance with adopted planning policy.

“Moreover, the unit has been vacant for over 12 months and evidence has been provided to show that there is no market demand for a continued class one (retail) operator at this location.”