Urban regeneration firm Vita Group wants to transform the iconic site into a nine-storey development comprising 356 student beds, a publicly accessible food hall and an events space.
Glasgow City Council approved the plans last June, despite concerns over the impact the development could have on the nearby Glasgow School of Art’s Mackintosh building.
The Scottish Government called in the council’s decision a month later, with government reporter Stuart West tasked with making the final call on the application’s future.
The site was ravaged by fire in 2014 and 2018 (Image: Newsquest)
West had been expected to issue his report to ministers by May 4, but that deadline has now passed.
The Scottish Government’s Planning and Environmental Appeals Division said: “Please note West has advised that due to other work pressures/commitments, he may be slightly delayed in issuing the report to ministers.
“West endeavours this report to be finalised and sent to ministers by the end of May or early June.”
The decision comes after a five-hour hearing in January heard from both applicants and objectors in a process that has now stretched on for more than five years.
Objectors claim the proposed development would block key views of the Mackintosh building that are fundamental to its purpose.
However, the art school has been accused of “standing in the way of progress” by James Patterson, director of property investment firm Urban Pulse.
