Property developer Artisan Real Estate wants to deliver 109 new homes with ground floor commercial space on land which is currently a temporary car park.

Planners had recommended approval but there have been around 140 letters of objection were received from members of the public and organisations.

Instead of giving a verdict on the proposal, Glasgow’s planning committee agreed on Tuesday to arrange a hearing about the development.

The hearing will feature a presentation by officials but will also allow those who support or oppose the application to contribute.

Featuring four distinct buildings varying in height from four to six storeys, the properties have been designed by architects AMA studio to include a range of one, two and three-bedroom apartments and will benefit from communal landscaped roof gardens and terraces.

Artisan said the exterior façade for each building reflects the scale and architecture of neighbouring properties which vary in heritage and height. The proposed stepped designs, featuring modern sustainable materials, will enable communal roof terraces accessible on different levels.

At the heart of the development will be a publicly accessed landscaped garden courtyard. Artisan has appointed specialist landscape designers to ensure final proposals enhance the local biodiversity through raised planting beds featuring native pollinating species, trees, lawns, plots to grow vegetables, bird boxes and beekeeping on extensive private and communal roof terraces, alongside a combination of paths and seating areas.

The ‘garden oasis’ within the public courtyard space will also create a rich, natural experience for both residents and visitors with native wildflowers and planting, alongside relaxing seating areas, specialist lighting and public artwork sympathetic to the site’s historic setting and conservation status, as well as aligning with the existing Merchant City Art Trail.

A report by planners recommending approval for the application stated: “The building design is considered appropriate for its location and uses high quality materials suitable for the context in which the building would be positioned.

“The proposed development would provide 109 residential private for sale units within the Merchant City Area. This would contribute towards the council’s aim of repopulating the city centre and would support its economic competitiveness through increased population supporting local businesses and facilities.

“The proposal would also include a publicly accessible courtyard enabling the surrounding community to connect with the development. The proposal is car-free, making full use of the site’s central location close to public transport infrastructure.

“As well as providing its own amenity spaces, both public and private, the site is well located to benefit from other existing green spaces in and around the city centre.

“Lastly, in terms of repair, restoring and enhancing the urban fabric, the applicant has provided evidence that the site had previously accommodated built development. The replacement of a surface level car park with the proposed residential development seeks to restore that historic urban form.”

It added: “While a small area of the existing mural would be lost due to the proposed development, the majority of the mural would be preserved in place for the appreciation of both the public and future residents of the development.

“The new ground floor courtyard green space would be fully accessible to the public and it is envisaged that this would create a unique space which would be integrated into the existing art trail.”

A spokesman for Artisan Real Estate said at the time of public consultation: “We knew the location of this development which borders on key city streetscapes including Ingram Street, Albion Street and Candleriggs, demanded an impressive design statement and we believe our proposals deliver this.

“We’ve spent a long time ensuring we’ve considered every aspect of design and believe our proposals will provide a dynamic and innovative contribution to the Merchant City.”