Controversial plans for student flats on the site of a former pub have been given a boost as cash-poor residents have had to drop a legal challenge.

The Glasgow Evening Times has reported that the challenge would have cost local residents in the West End area thousands of pounds.

Last year, Glasgow-based Logan Factoring and Management was granted planning permission to build 114 student flats on the site of the Pewter Pot pub in North Woodside Road.

Almost 350 people objected to the development, which would fall just outside the West End conservation area, but the city council planning committee's chairman gave the proposals his casting vote and they got the go-ahead.

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The site of the planned flats includes part of the garden of a neighbouring house.

But the title deeds for the garden included a clause which could have stopped building work going ahead.

As a result, the developer approached the Lands Tribunal for Scotland and requested the deeds be changed to allow work to go ahead.

Residents decided not to raise an objection when they realised it would cost them thousands in legal fees if they lost.

Steve Bailey, chairman of the Lansdowne Watch action group, told the Evening Times newspaper: "The government changed the system to put an end to frivolous objections, but the way the legislation now works is outrageous. It is aimed at the rich and prejudiced against ordinary people."

(NE)