Plans to create a new restaurant and coffee shop at a West Lothian shopping centre have been delayed over concerns that it could bring too much traffic to the area.
West Lothian’s Development Management Committee (DMC) delayed a decision on revised plans by Z1 Properties for a proposed split-level building containing a 298sqm restaurant/bar and café/ hot food takeaway with balcony terrace, staircase and extended parking at the Bankton Centre in Livingston.
While planning officers said the restaurant, at the eastern end of the shopping centre area - which contains a mix of shops and hot food takeaways - could cater for 227 covers plus a takeaway facility, agents for the applicants said they envisaged no more than 140 customers at most.
READ MORE: Petition to save West Lothian greenbelt from housing developments launched
But a local councillor said there were only 25 parking spaces at the site, which were already struggling to cope with the volume of customers, and warned the new businesses could lead to a 'massive overflow' of traffic.
While the council received eight objections to the plans it received 22 in favour of the development. The owner of the shopping centre, Ashkar Ali, who also owns a shopping centre in Eliburn, said he was keen to enhance the area and the new restaurant would provide construction jobs as well as service jobs when it opened.
The proposed building would be located on a tree covered embankment on the edge of the existing shopping area and would extend to the Murieston Water path approximately 3.8m below the Bankton Centre car park.
Similar plans were rejected by the council last year. Councillor Pauline Stafford expressed concern about access to the footpath during construction and Councillor Lawrence Fitzpatrick had concerns about loss of tree cover and the effects on wildlife.
The applicant’s agent said an ecology report had not been asked for but his client was happy to provide one if requested.
However, it was the potential for parking problems that the development could generate which most exercised Councillor Fitzpatrick - a councillor for the Murieston area.
He said: “We have a very busy Co-op, a very busy retail shop there, and we have a busy chip shop, particularly in the evening. We have an increasingly busy hair and beauty salon.
“What I counted is 25 spaces, which at times just cannot cope. Yet, here we have an additional restaurant. I have real concerns about, particularly in the evening when people tend to go out, that we are going to have massive overflow elsewhere, particularly onto Murieston East Road.”
Committee chair, Councillor Stuart Borrowman, said: “I am looking for a way forward that does not dismiss this out of hand. I want to see clarification on parking demand and parking provision.”
Councillor Fitzpatrick moved that the application be continued for a month to study the adequacy and suitability of parking. He was seconded by Councillor Borrowman.
READ NEXT:
West Lothian care home plans delayed again after local residents raise concerns
West Lothian schools set to bear brunt of budget cuts, consultation shows
West Lothian 20mph zones set to remain in bid for safer streets
Traffic ban for West Lothian shopping precinct after years of accidents
West Lothian's 'island village' needs landowner support to provide path
