Hopes for new bungalows in a Livingston development have been dashed.
Neighbours of a site off Tarbert Drive in Murieston argued that the two storey homes planned for the site would loom over their gardens and give them no privacy.
Two months ago they had won agreement from the Development Management Committee to request bungalows be built on the site. This would protect the privacy of the neighbours living in Murieston Valley but also provide much needed single level living, rarely found in the town.
READ MORE: West Lothian housebuilder urged to build bungalows to protect neighbours privacy
The DMC heard planning officers had discussed proposals with the builders, Parella Homes. Architects for the firm told planners in an email: “The plot size does not allow us to design a bungalow which would work as the footprint size of a bungalow is considerably larger than the ground floor plan proposed. We also feel that bungalows on plots 4 & 5 would sit out of place in the streetscape.
“We have however reduced the ridge height to plot 4 by 1200mm and to plot 5 by 1500mm.”
Addressing the DMC both objectors and the developer, David Parella agreed that both sides had compromised.
The site has a long history and was abandoned by the initial developer Cruden. All objectors conceded that the new design proposals from Parella Homes were better than Cruden had planned in terms of having reduced the land level across the site, which sits higher than the established homes which border it.
One of the objectors Irene Whitelaw, had added in a written submission: “Over 100 healthy trees were removed and destroyed for this development. I would like to suggest a row of evergreen pleached trees running from 58 - 66 Murieston Valley paid for and planted by the developer - this could address the privacy issue for existing and incoming residents."
She told the meeting that Mr Parella had discussed tree planting and had offered to plant screening trees along the boundary between nos 54 and 66 Murieston Valley.
Mr Parella had also told objectors, and reiterated to the councillors, that he was prepared to build a double slatted fence to increase privacy along the row of homes.
Mr Parella told the committee that he and his wife had bought the site with planning permission in place. His original application was to improve the look of homes built on site. He said he had listened to neighbours as much as he could.
“I have agreed to put up trees along the full boundary. As a company we are keen to make things less hard for everyone involved.”
Objectors all voiced how stressful the planning process had been for them, including trying to negotiate the council online planning portal.
Clare O’Lone, who had suggested the bungalow option, pointed out that that planning law was not adhered to because she and her neighbours were obviously being disturbed by the development and there would be issues over shadowing of her home and privacy invasion.
The fence has already been constructed and will be double slatted between 58 to 66.
Tree planting is on the plan but specifics have yet to be worked out. Initial suggestion of pleached trees, those grown in a way which appear like a hedge on sticks, would prove difficult and costly to maintain as the trees matured, according to the council’s arborist
Councillor Willie Boyle said he was delighted by what he had heard from both the objectors and the developer but, given concerns about the trees, would all still be able find a way forward?
Miss O’Lone said: “I think the word we have to use is compromise.”
Councillor Lawrence Fitzpatrick said: “Are you satisfied with regard to your privacy.”
Mrs Whitelaw said: “The answer would be no, but we have been living there for 20 years and for 20 years we’ve not had anything looking onto us and our gardens , but we are where we are now.”
Ms O’Lone said: “The word we have to use is compromise . We’ll never be happy with this development because we’re losing all privacy in our back gardens. we’ll have all these windows looking onto us. Three properties looking onto my property. The development is under way .
She praised the developer for “trying as hard as he can” to find a solution.
Ms O’Lone added that it was unfortunate that bungalows couldn’t be built because the plots are so small. “We have to accept it and hope that we can adjust. As long as these trees can cover the first floor windows and provide a privacy screen.”
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