Homeless Project Scotland applied for permission to operate a 24-hour facility on Glassford Street, supporting the unhoused population – which is already set up.
In the papers, the organisation detailed its plans to run a soup kitchen on the ground floor, along with the night shelter in the basement.
Last year, the first planning application was rejected on the basis that it raised fears of increased crime and anti-social behaviour in the area.
Officials stated that the facility would be “detrimental to the character and amenity of the surrounding area.”
Instead of closing it immediately, however, they recommended that Homeless Project Scotland resubmit the documents.
Now, in this second bid, the charity argued that they provide a critical service and said there is no evidence to suggest that there is a direct link between the site’s operation and anti-social behaviour.
READ NEXT: Councillors reject Glasgow homeless shelter appeal
Decision date set for Glasgow homeless shelter planning row
Anger as council rejects homeless charity night shelter
Decision date set for Glasgow homeless shelter planning row
The paper continued: “When given the opportunity, Police Scotland did not object on these grounds, which is further justification.
“We would like to reiterate that the shelter operates a strict no-tolerance policy to drugs and alcohol and the insinuation that they would knowingly permit such behaviours is rejected.”
The applicant also pointed out that several nearby premises operate until or after midnight and there are multiple facilities in Merchant City dedicated to providing recovery support.
The document concluded: “It appears to us counter-intuitive to suggest closing a shelter would decrease rough sleeping in the city.
“We remind those involved in the determination of this application that the shelter is a response to a growing issue and not the cause.
“To address the increasing amount of rough sleeping in the city, there needs to be wider and systemic changes to address a social issue. The shelter looks to offer a lifeline to these people who have seemingly been forgotten and address a gap in their care.”
Glasgow City Council has received the application and a decision is expected by Friday, February 20.
