The developer, which previously gained consent for a hotel on the corner of Hutcheson Street and Trongate, pivoted to a part-11/part-seven-storey facility with 173 beds.

Based on the original submission, revised plans by Mosaic Architecture + Design showed a new internal layout to accommodate the change in use with the outward massing remaining as before.

A ground floor cafe, open to the public, is also part of the plan.

The building will include music rooms, games room, private dining and private study rooms at basement level. On the ground floor will be fitness and lounge areas.

Recommending the application for approval, planners stated: “The proposal has been developed to respond to the historical character, built form and quality of the Central Conservation Area, delivering a high-quality modern addition that seeks to complement the streetscape.

“Considering the data submitted in the context of the application site, the limited number of mainstream residential units, primary commercial operations, and the desire to increase the population of the locale and wider city centre, it is considered that the concentration of student accommodation in this location is not detrimental.”

A design statement included with the application explained: “The building is in poor condition and is having a negative impact on townscape.

“The new proposal will retain the same massing of the previously consented [hotel] building envelope, which was well received by planning and the public.”