PLANS for a new housing development in Scotland’s largest city have been given the green light after an appeal directly to the Scottish Government.

A 59-apartment block of flats is to be built near the OVO Hydro in Glasgow’s Finnieston area after approval from the central government.

Developer Nevis Properties said it had turned to the appeal process after waiting more than 12 months without a decision from Glasgow City Council.

The firm said the apartment block would include a roof terrace for residents, secure parking, a children’s play area, chargers for electric vehicles, and one-, two-, and three-bedroom properties with private balconies.

It added: “The plans, designed by architecture studio Haus Collective, focused on excellent design and high quality usable external space for residents, along with a low-carbon energy strategy in line with Glasgow’s City Development Plan.”

Construction is set to begin on the project at 131 Minerva Street later in 2023.

Andrew Duncan, land director at Nevis Properties, said: “This is exactly the type of development that we believe is perfect for Glasgow – it will bring much-needed high quality homes onto a brownfield site helping to bring people back into the city, and promoting the use of more sustainable transport.

“It’s unfortunate that the delivery of new homes on the site has been delayed due to the need to go through an appeal process. We’re very glad that the Scottish Government profoundly agreed with the merits of our proposal, recognising the many benefits of this development for the people of Glasgow.

“We hope to work productively and collaboratively with Glasgow City Council in future to avoid the need for such appeals. We believe as a business we are well placed to help unlock the development potential from other brownfield sites within the city and in-doing so help Glasgow meet its housing objectives.”