Protests at Glasgow homeless shelter as council orders closure

A council spokesperson said Homeless Project Scotland had not submitted a planning application for change of use of the building “despite efforts to encourage them to do so”.

“Therefore, there has been no opportunity to scrutinise how the building is operated to ensure that it is safe, well managed and satisfies the relevant policies,” they added.

The spokesperson said there had been “multiple crime reports and complaints linked to the building” since it began to be used as unauthorised homeless shelter in December 2023.

“Based on the available evidence, fears from residents and businesses that the unauthorised use of the building is directly contributing to anti-social behaviour and crime in the area appear to be well founded.

“To protect the safety and well-being of the community and given the lack of engagement from the occupants to progress with a planning application, we believe it is necessary to take action to cease the unauthorised use of these premises.”

However, the council said a planning application could still be submitted for assessment and consideration through the usual process.