Glasgow venue submits fresh bid for late-night event use

The Haberdashery, based at 545 Sauchiehall Street, is currently permitted to operate as a restaurant between 12pm and 11pm seven days a week, but has also been functioning as a functions and event space since 2022. 

Last September, Glasgow City Council’s planning committee voted nine to five to refuse the retrospective planning application for sui generis late-night use. 

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Retrospective planning permission, a planning application submitted after development has already taken place, is being sought again, which would allow part of the site to be used as a function/events space. 

The application is scheduled to be heard next Tuesday but is recommended for refusal by council officers. 

If successful, the proposed opening hours would be Sunday – Thursday between 9am – 11pm and Friday – Saturday 9am -12am. The café would operate until 4pm. 

So far, 112 representations have been received, eight letters of objection and 104 letters of support. 

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Objectors raised concerns that this is the third submission of a near-identical proposal, following two previous refusals. 

In both, it was concluded that the proposals would cause unacceptable harm to residential amenity, and no substantive change has been made that would alter that conclusion. 

Concerns have been raised about the "steady stream" of loud, drunk people out to smoke and vape directly under the flat windows is an ongoing annoyance during the evenings, but when they leave at the end of the night it is very disruptive.

However, those in support of the development say that the venue has contributed positively to the revival of the local area, which had experienced a period of decline, and it aligns well with the council’s wider investment and regeneration efforts. 

They argue that the proposal will increase cultural and creative use of a currently underutilised city-centre premises, supporting Glasgow’s arts and events scene and a safe and managed night-time economy. 

The venue supports local employment, hiring staff, suppliers, performers, and event contractors and has been described as a truly unique and versatile venue. The space has been thoughtfully designed and decorated in a way that complements the character and heritage of the building. 

Another decision will take place next Tuesday.