Controversial plans to expand a university campus on the site of a former hospital backed by councillors.

Members of Glasgow City approved planning permission in principle for the blueprint at the old Western Infirmary.

Glasgow University is hoping to extend its Gilmorehill campus to create a major learning and research complex in a £1bn project on the 14-acre site.

The application, which included plans for new social sciences, health and engineering buildings, gathered more than 300 objections.

After securing the backing of councillors on Tuesday, the university will submit further detailed plans on its proposals for the site.

A spokeswoman for the university said: "We are delighted to have received support for our plans at today's meeting. This is an interim but important stage of the planning process.

"The campus masterplan is due to go before a full council meeting on February 16, 2017, which we hope will give planning approval for this exciting and ambitious development which will transform the university's teaching and research provision as well as enhancing the amenities of the city's west end."

According to the outline revealed so far, new public routes and a central square linking to Byres Road would be created, while there would also be spaces for commercial opportunities such as restaurants, bars and a hotel.

The university estimates 2500 jobs would be created during the construction period.

The university moved from High Street to the Gilmorehill site in 1870 as part of plans to have a teaching centre and hospital side by side so the hospital could be used for clinical instruction and research.

A clause was signed stating that if the hospital, which opened in 1874, ever ceased to operate then the university could buy back the site.