A travelling circus is set to create a base in West Lothian at the site of old oil works.
The Big Kids Circus launched a planning application with West Lothian Council for the site at Oakbank, near East Calder .
The circus has been touring throughout Britain since 2005 but they need a site to store equipment during the winter months.
They have applied for the base at to store seven caravans, seven HGV vehicles and their training unit, with one caravan remaining in the summer for security.
West Lothian Council had previously rejected a proposal to create a large housing development at the site and Big Kids hope this more alternative arrangement is more suitable.
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The oil works were demolished in 1932 but after World War Two the village still had two shops and a primary school with three teachers and 73 pupils. Over the years the houses deteriorated and residents moved away.
The last resident moved out in 1984 when the last house was demolished and the site has remained derelict brownfield land ever since.
The bowling green is still used and sits to the north east of the application site. There are three houses and a caravan to the east of this and a football field to the east of them. East Calder lies a few hundred metres further east.
Access to the site is presently through East Calder with the public road extending along the north of the application site.
It has been blocked off half way along the north of the application site with a steel barrier but extends further as a public footpath.
The old public road could also be opened up to provide a private access in from the A71 rather than through East Calder.
Big Kids Circus say they would provide their own drainage facilities.
A spokesperson said: “Mains water and electricity lie adjacent and to the north east of the site, to the south of the public road. We have applied for connections.
“A Biodisc or appropriate private drainage facilities could be provided for the circus caravans and staff toilets. The circus are more than happy to install this on site.
“Installing mains services from the north east corner to the middle or south west areas would cost more money but The Circus would prefer not to impose on the existing houses and Bowling club by having their facilities more remote from these properties. This would likely be preferred by the existing residents/users.”
A decision from West Lothian Council on the application is expected in the coming weeks.
