Ex-Rangers player Scott Arfield has been unsuccessful in his appeal against a decision made by Glasgow City Council to reject his proposal to open a pub near Ibrox. The former footballer planned to convert a former bookies establishment on Copland Road into a pub, but the council raised concerns about the potential impact on neighbours and issues regarding bin storage. This appeal marked the second attempt to transform the premises into a pub, following an initial rejection in August the previous year.
The appeal claimed that the pub would operate as a “mini fan zone” on match days at Ibrox, accommodating up to 90 fans in a well-managed space. However, councillors were divided on whether to grant permission, with an equal split of four votes each way. Ultimately, the appeal was turned down by the casting vote of planning review committee chairman, Cllr Ken Andrew of the SNP. He expressed concerns about the lack of clarity on various issues, including noise impact assessment and waste storage.
The council report highlighted that the proposal by Arfield, who currently plays for Bolton Wanderers in England, aimed to refurbish a property that had remained vacant for over two years. The pub’s operating hours could be restricted to Rangers match days and special ticketed events, with assurances given that waste management would be handled internally. Two neighbours had objected to the initial application citing worries about the impact on residents, particularly in terms of noise and anti-social behaviour.
While some councillors, such as Cllr Imran Alam of the Labour Party, believed the pub would bring economic benefits to the local area by creating job opportunities and revitalising a derelict property, others, including Cllr Eva Bolander of the SNP, raised concerns about issues such as parking, noise assessment, and resident welfare. The decision to reject the application was ultimately made due to these various concerns raised during the appeal process.
In summary, the appeal by Scott Arfield to convert a former bookies into a pub near Ibrox has been denied by Glasgow City Council due to concerns over potential disruptions to neighbours and inadequate assessments. Despite the proposed economic benefits and job creation, councillors highlighted the need for clearer plans regarding noise management and waste storage to ensure the well-being of local residents.