West Lothian locals have objected to a new glamping holiday park with a wind turbine.
The developers want to to convert an overgrown field at Swineabbey Farm in East Whitburn into the new holiday park.
The application to West Lothian Council showed that they wanted to build 12 timber glamping pods, with a wind turbine and a maintenance and reception buildings.
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The developers ay they wanted to create a tourist spot that would be located between Scotland’s two major cities, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
The planning application’s design statement was prepared by the agents Glampitect and they say that the site will be a great addition to the area.
A statement reads: “The proposed site will be on a tranquil green area. Glamping installations require minimal ground works and unharmful construction practices. Through use of ground screws to mount pods, concrete may not be required at all. We therefore believe pods provide an ecologically viable accommodation solution, suited to the area.
“The concept of luxury glamping is now gaining popularity throughout the UK, with standards and guests expectations on the rise. It is intended by the site operator that this site will be amongst the best available in the area. At present there are no other similar sites in or around the Whitburn/Blackburn area offering this kind of luxury pod accommodation giving guests exclusive facilities. Therefore, we feel the site would be providing a positive alternative for visitors to the area.”
The site is located between Whitburn and Blackburn, being approximately one mile to Whitburn and just over one mile to Blackburn and is accessed via an existing access from the A705, Main Street.
However, the application was withdrawn last week after locals objected on the planning application.
One said: “A potential 48-72 people utilising the proposed site would bring significant noise and light disturbance to a very quiet semi-rural area where residents all have young family and grandchildren.
“Particularly so, with the proposed outdoor facilities (hot tubs, communal areas). Again, no amount of shrubbery or screening will prevent such noise disturbance or smells from 12 pods cooking outside.”
Another added: “I object on the basis of all material considerations: loss of privacy, noise, nuisance and smell, problems with parking, traffic and road safety and the needs of the local area.
“In addition, my objection will include numerous fundamental issues with the application and protocols, including but not restricted to, the failure to provide accurate information in respect claimed ownership in the original application.”
The application was withdrawn on Friday January 21 and it is unclear if the developers will launch another new amended application.
