Residents Petition Against Parking Changes in Glasgow’s West End
Community Campaign Launched Amid Fears for Businesses
By Gary Fanning
A group of residents in Glasgow’s West End have launched a petition urging the council to reconsider parking changes they say could devastate local businesses.
The petition, titled West End or Dead End?, has been created by Mel Feild, a property owner on Great George Street.
She is a member of the Kersland Street Neighbours Association and Hillhead Community Council, and Neighbourhood Improvement Volunteer (NIV) for Glasgow City Council.
Background to the Dispute
The petition raises concerns about the impact of a proposed 260-bed student accommodation development by the University of Glasgow on the Lilybank Gardens car park site, near Great George Street and behind Ashton Lane and Byres Road.
The University of Glasgow’s proposal has faced opposition from the Hillhead Community Council, who claim the project is out of character with the surrounding area and will worsen parking shortages.
The site – which falls within the Glasgow West Conservation Area – is currently owned by the University and managed by Glasgow City Council under a lease agreement. If approved, only 20 days' notice would be required to close the car park permanently.
Community Concerns
Campaigners argue that the development could have a devastating impact on local businesses by reducing already limited parking options. The petition highlights three key grievances:
Rising parking charges introduced in 2024, which have caused a 30% drop in small business trading.
The Byres Road Improvement Project, starting in April, will remove over 75 parking spaces without offering replacements.
The proposed closure of Lilybank Gardens car park would eliminate over 100 spaces, making remaining parking options insufficient to meet demand.
Mel Feild said: “We want to ensure that Glasgow City Council are clear as to what choosing 260 students over local businesses will mean for this area.”
The petition statement adds: “Without adequate parking, many visitors will abandon this area, leading to a decline in foot traffic and a rise in vacant shop fronts.”
A local business owner put it bluntly: “If people can’t park here, they’ll stop coming. It’s that simple.”
University and Council Response
A Glasgow City Council spokesman told The Splash: “We are aware of the Lilybank Gardens proposal but a formal planning application has still to be submitted.
“The planning application process allows for the consideration of a range of issues, including the potential impact from a loss of local amenities.
“We are currently mid-way through the Byres Road City Deal infrastructure project, which will eventually see around £11m invested in enhanced and improved public spaces along Byres Road.
“The project is intended to support a vibrant local economy for Byres Road by improving the public realm and encouraging walking, wheeling and cycling as forms of local transport.
“Our parking attendants are routinely active in the Hillhead ward to tackle problem parking in the area.
“In January this year, 1724 penalty charges notices were issued against vehicles illegally parked in the Hillhead ward, including many in relation to Oakfield Avenue.”
The University of Glasgow announced two pre-application consultations for the development before they submit an official planning application. The first was held on January 13 between 3 and 7pm. The second took place on Monday, February 10, 2025, between 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the University's Advanced Research Centre, 11 Chapel Lane.
A statement on the University’s website says: “The new proposal aims to address the shortage of the appropriate student housing close to campus, while ensuring that the West End of Glasgow remains a vibrant community even after lectures end.
“The development will restore key frontages to Lilybank Gardens and Great George Lane, linking Ashton Lane and Cresswell Lane while balancing green spaces with the West End’s architectural character.”
What Happens Next?
The petition will be made available to the Wellbeing, Equalities, Communities, Culture and Engagement City Policy Committee before it considers the proposal.
A petition must be supported by at least 25 signatures from people living in the Glasgow Council area or have the backing of Hillhead Community Council to be formally considered.
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Where is the petition? I’d sign it. There is a dearth of public parking availability in the area, and unsightly modern student accommodation blocks don’t belong there, in my opinion.
A petition made by people who value motoring over housing.