Glasgow Rangers' plan for Edminston House comes under fire

A number of residents living nearby lodged objections to Glasgow City Council’s planning department citing concerns around light pollution and health fears for those in neighbouring flats on Copland Road, Hinshelwood Drive and Ibrox Primary School.

Now a Green councillor has waded into the row and called on the football giant to blow the full time whistle on the proposal.

Dan Hutchison has launched a petition to ask Rangers not to go ahead with the plan, claiming the screens - which will run from 7am until midnight – will impact on wildlife and distract passing drivers.

One objector, who lives close to the stadium, is among 150 protestors who have signed an online petition to try and force the club into a U-turn.

He said: “We are deeply concerned about the impact these unnecessary screens will have on our local primary school and our daily lives.

“We don’t feel that we were properly consulted and it’s obvious that if the community had been given a proper opportunity to know what was in the pipeline, we would’ve stood in opposition.

“The negative effects of LED screen light are widely recognised and this is the equivalent of having two giant phone screens outside your house

“I wonder how the decision-makers would feel if they were faced with living with something like this outside their homes. I doubt this would’ve been given the green light in Glasgow’s West End or the Merchant City. Long term, I’d like to see them being banned in residential areas altogether.”

An artist's impression of how the screens will look (Image: Rangers FC)

Cllr Hutchison says that the screens will have a massive impact on the quality of life of those living near the ground.

He added: “Proposals for these types of large LED screens aren’t new, but other football clubs have had their applications refused. A previous proposal for one at the corner of Paisley Road West and Edmiston Drive was also knocked back.

“This one will shine straight into the windows of Ibrox Primary School and the flats of Hinshelwood Drive and Copland Road. It’s wildly unfair for the children’s learning and daily life.

“They consume significant amount of energy at a time when we should be focusing on reducing our carbon footprint. Additionally, there will be negative effects on the nesting birds in the park directly opposite. 

“I’ve asked Rangers management for an urgent meeting with residents next week and I really hope that they will sit down and discuss it with us before Christmas holidays as people are very concerned.”

READ MORE: ScottishPower slammed after disabled man's Glasgow bill blunder

The screens are part of the multi-million-pound transformation of the former Edmiston House, alongside the creation of a new club store, museum, entertainment and conference facilities.

In submissions to the council, Rangers have defended the project and say the display comes with sophisticated control software which controls and monitors content, including luminance levels. The club also say the screens are sensitive to ambient light levels and will be set at parameters in accordance with planning conditions.

Rangers have been approached for further comment.