Nursery decision delayed

A decision on the future of a nursery building has been put on hold until experts can determine if it can be saved.

West Lothian Council’s Development Management Committee agreed with a plea by local councillor Stuart Borrowman that experts should examine the listed building in Armadale before the council considers an application by builders to demolish it.

Lucas Land proposes to clear the Academy Street site and replace the single storey 1870s school with flats.

Stuart Amos of SMA Construction Services, representing the owners, said it was not financially viable to save the building because of the advanced decay of the sandstone.

The demolition has been supported by the town’s community council. The building has disintegrated since it was sold off by the council in 2004. Several planning applications to convert it have come to nothing.

The listed nature of the building means that any decision would have to be rubber stamped by Scottish ministers.

Planners said: “This listed building is an important local historic asset in a prominent location in the street scene and the proposed total demolition is unjustified. The demolition of the building would harm the historical character of the surrounding area.”

Local councillor Stuart Borrowman said it was crucial that the council moved as quickly as possible to determine the future of the building. He added:“This building has been an eyesore for some time and this matter needs to be resolved soon.”