Planning permission has been granted for a new housing development in West Lothian despite the objections of the local community.
West Lothian Council agreed yesterday (March 10) to the application for the erection of 48 houses with access road, SUDS pond, landscaping and associated works.
The developers Persimmon Homes East will build two, three and four bed properties at the new 1.55 hectare site, on land to the west of Hartwood Road, West Calder.
Almost 100 objections were submitted to West Lothian Council by concerned locals.
There were a variety of complaints, including worries over traffic at Hartwood Road and the junction at Kirkgate, concern that the site is one of the few remaining greenbelt recreational spaces for the community and the strain on current local services and infrastructure.
A new two way access road will be formed from Hartwood Road to create vehicular access and egress to the development.
This two way road will serve all properties with two single carriageway ‘pinch points’ designed in to control traffic speeds along the main spine road.
Properties fronting onto Hartwood Road will be accessed directly from the carriageway and new footway.
Residential development on Hartwood Road bounds the site to the north and to the south is the settlement boundary with countryside beyond.
The development will be within 1km of Parkhead Primary School and West Calder Secondary School.
Private car parking is to be provided for 45 of the housing units. These private drives/garages allow at least one space for units up to 3 bedrooms and at least 2 spaces for 4 bedroom units, as per WLC Parking Standards.
On the planning report, a spokesperson for West Lothian Council said: “The proposed development is acceptable in principle as it is supported by the development plan, in particular policy HOU 1 of the West Lothian Local Development Plan.
“The proposed development would be of a medium density and is considered to be compatible with the surrounding built form.
“Furthermore it is considered that the existing road network can accommodate the proposed development.
“The development will not increase the risk of flooding to nearby properties and will not be at risk of flooding itself.
“Furthermore, research of the mining history on the site and intrusive investigations carried out by the applicant confirms that there is a low risk of subsidence on the site.
“It is concluded that the site is considered stable in relation to historical recorded coal and shale mining affecting the site.
“Consequently, and in view of the above, it is recommended that planning permission is granted, subject to conditions and a legal agreement securing developer contributions.”
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