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 guest 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.

Planning chiefs refused permission in July last year, saying the hostel “is detrimental to the amenity” of nearby properties.

However, the applicant said a planning officer ignored an email during the initial process, denying them the opportunity to discuss any concerns.

They claimed the hot tub and noise issues could have been discussed and resolved.

Rejecting the appeal, councillor Michael Cullen said: “It has been operating for seven years and the only reason it is before us today is as a result of an enforcement action.

“I have severe concerns about the current situation within this property, the lack of staffing, the lack of refuse consideration, this hot tub.

“There’s quite a list here.”

The hostel will now be required to revert to office space. If this is ignored, enforcement officers will take further action, which could include prosecution.