PARTICK Thistle have won their fight to have flats and offices built on land at their Firhill ground.

Last July, an application by the Glasgow football club for a new stand, 41 flats, offices and a car park was thrown out.

But councillors have now backed proposals for an amended scheme.

The cleared land will act as a buffer between the 41 new flats and 2500 square metres of office space and will allow supporters access along the south of the ground.

The council's development and regeneration director Steve Inch said: "The applicants have indicated they do not require a replacement south stand since their capacity is 10,915 so the southern area is effectively surplus to requirements."

The Maryhill club attracts 3000 fans on an average weekend.

A total of 18 one and two bedroom flats will be built in a new block facing Firhill Road with a further 23 flats at the other end of the site overlooking the Forth and Clyde Canal.

Offices and car parking for both residents and office workers will be built in the land between the two housing blocks.

Some councillors were concerned that the club's plans breached council policy that developments beside football stadiums should relate to the work of the club.

But Mr Inch suggested an exception should be made to the rules as club bosses insist they have no use for the land.

This is the fifth attempt by Partick Thistle to have their plan for development accepted.