Greens move to block new Glasgow PBSAs

The Scottish Greens are calling for a temporary suspension of new PBSA construction in Glasgow, amid fears of oversupply.

Green MSP Iris Duane is calling for a moratorium after a briefing note by Glasgow City Council identified 21,655 operational student beds across the city.

This same note revealed there are a further 18,213 beds in the development pipeline, which would potentially take the total provision to around 40,000 bed spaces.

Duane is now calling for a halt to “continual overdevelopment” of PBSAs in the city and greater consideration for how these schemes impact local residents and businesses.

“Too often transnational corporations, who have never walked our streets, are plonking [PBSAs] down with little regard for those who already live there,” said Duane.

“Housing is meant to be for people, not absurd profits whilst regular families are struggling to get a good home.”

The Green MSP also highlighted that international student numbers are falling, which she argued further undermines the viability of such schemes.

Duane added: “When speaking to students, they often feel as though their PBSAs were not good value for money, proving that the only people benefiting here are those who are profiting.

“I will question ministers in charge of this area at the first opportunity and ensure that we are looking at the bigger picture and support residents to live in good, collegiate communities together.”