'Scary' Hot Tub Hostel could go down the plughole
The backpackers hostel in Glasgow has been operating for seven years without permission.
A backpackers' hostel branded "scary" by planning chiefs has lost its appeal against a council decision.
Glasgow City Council rejected Caledonian Holiday Managers Ltd's retrospective planning application for the Hot Tub Hostel on Berkeley Street last year.
Now, the company - which had applied for a change of use from office premises to residential accommodation - has had its appeal thrown out too.
The hostel has been operating for around seven years without planning permission.
Bailie Josephine Docherty slammed the hostel's management.
She said: "I found this whole thing quite scary actually. Bars on windows, cages on windows, things like that.
"I wouldn't like to be living next door to it and I would not like any of my grandsons to be living there or passing through because I think there are elements that are not safe.
"I think there are huge questions about safety, based on the non-management of the place.
"I think they have been running this place quite dangerously for seven years."
Neighbours claim the hostel is a "permanent party place", with guests drinking, singing and chanting until 4am.
Nearby residents objecting to the planning bid listed a string of incidents, including a guest unconscious on a skip outside and a couple acting inappropriately in the hot tub.
A spokesperson for Hot Tub Hostel confirmed they would be appealing the decision.
"We want to continue to be the cheapest place for tourists to stay in Glasgow" he added.