PLANS to build new flats for around 250 students near the Meadows have been put on hold after the council failed to consult community leaders properly.

Councillors were due to consider the proposals for the former NCP car park on Chalmers Street on Wednesday, but the application was withdrawn after the error was discovered.

Tollcross Community Council, which opposes the plan, requested in July that it was consulted on any amendments or other issues related to the development. But this did not happen.

A council spokeswoman said: "Due to a procedural error, the application for planning permission was removed from the agenda. The application will be now be subject to a formal consultation with the community council before being reported back to the committee in due course."

The Unite Group is behind the project after the site was sold for £8 million in one of Scotland's most expensive land deals.

Beds for 249 students would be provided in 81 flats, each with a communal kitchen and dining room. A large student common room would also be built.

But the community council said the scheme would involve a "massive gable wall", blocking daylight from neighbouring tenements.

Labour councillor Paul Godzik said: "I'm concerned that the community council wasn't fully consulted and I'm glad they will now be given time to put their objections across."

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