Livingston councillors have renewed their opposition to council plans for compulsory purchase of homes on the crumbling Deans South estate.
SNP members Andrew Miller and Robert de Bold reiterated their objections after hearing an update on the plans to develop Deans South from Grant Walker from Housing Construction and Building Services.
Mr Walker said that Springfield Properties have not yet secured the agreement of all nine owners of the properties that are in private ownership, to their “home for a home” proposal or yet concluded missives with any of the six owners who are interested “in principle” in their proposal.
A department report noted “the promotion of a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) by West Lothian Council currently appears to be the only way to achieve” the land assembly needed to push ahead with redevelopment.
Mr Walker said that the report would be brought back later in the autumn.
The council has proposed enhanced payments to the homeowners, but only an extra £2,000. In June the homeowners claimed the council was stopping the conclusion of “a home for a home” deal offered by Springfield Properties.
Councillor Miller told a meeting of the Livingston North Local Area Committee: “ I’m quite dismayed by the position council is taking. I do support majority if the owners who still are looking for the Springfield Properties deal the council seem not to be wishing to progress . I don’t personally support compulsory purchase when there are still viable options available.”
Councillor Robert de Bold said: “I would repeat everything my colleague Andrew has said and would also express my disappointment at the lack of progress.”
Councillor Alison Adamson said: “I do believe the Scottish Government should be able to intervene and bring in some fresh money to enable this area to be redeveloped properly.”
