The West End of Glasgow is one of the finest examples of Victorian town development in Britain. The buildings of the West End originated in the late Georgian period (c. 1830s), continued through several phases of Victorian design (c. 1840-1900) and culminated in the Art Nouveau style of the Edwardian era (1901-1914). The West End's fabric remained almost unchanged until 1950 with little in the way of new development to alter its character. The solid tenements of Hillhead and Partick, the imposing terraces of Dowanhill and the villas of Kelvinside are a unique memorial to the architectural and social vigour of the city in its industrial heyday.
Many of Glasgow's most prominent architects left their mark in the creation of the West End, and their work is complemented by vital townscape elements such as trees, gardens, stone walls and cast iron railings. Today, however, much of the West End's invaluable heritage is threatened by inadequate maintenance, vandalism, inappropriate alterations and poor quality new building.
Sections of a city with special architectural interest can be protected by being designated "Conservation Areas" by the local planning authority. Councils are obliged to "protect and enhance the character and appearance" of these areas.
To help preserve the integrity of the historic townscape of the West End, two Conservation Areas were designated in the 1970s; in 1990 these Areas were merged to form an enlarged "Glasgow West Conservation Area." Glasgow West is considered to be the "Jewel in the Crown" of the city's 20 Conservation Areas.
Glasgow City Council has acknowledged the importance of conserving the West End as part of its campaign to improve the image of the city as a whole. However, the task of ensuring the future amenity of the West End requires the full participation of owners and residents alike.
Conservation Areas are protected by controls which cover alterations to those buildings, trees and townscape features which contribute to the area's character. The various planning controls are described in the pages which follow. Outwith the Conservation Area boundary not all of these controls apply, but the principles of good design and appropriate maintenance and repair are equally valid.
If you own property in the West End which needs repair, or if you are considering making alterations, you may require Planning Permission. If your building is listed, you may also need Listed Building Consent. Although buildings in Partick and Thornwood are outside the boundary of the Glasgow West Conservation Area and thus not subject to all the same controls, these guidelines contain basic, sound advice which is suitable for the care of any older building in the city.
These guidelines have been prepared to help residents treat their buildings correctly. Observing these guidelines can also help to expedite your planning application process. Even if full planning permission is not needed, it is wise to use high standards of design, materials and workmanship to enhance the value of your property.
It must be understood that the price of maintaining an old building can be high. Even more costly, however, can be undoing the damage caused by "slapdash" repairs, as quick fixes usually cause problems in the future. There is no substitute for sound repairs; they will enhance the value of the property, reduce the interim maintenance cost, and give the owner peace of mind.
The tenements, terraces and villas of the West End are approximately 75 to 150 years old, and their condition now varies greatly. To ensure their survival for the next 150 years, today's proprietors must take the initiative and make the investment. Future generations of West End residents will be grateful.
