Mature trees to remain on town site

A screening belt of mature trees will remain along Dixon Terrace in Whitburn - that much became clear when proposals for a land sale in Burnhouse Industrial Estate came back to West Lothian Council’s Executive.

The proposed sale was stalled last month when Conservative councillors questioned whether the sale of what had been described as scrubland in papers was in fact a boundary screening belt of trees.

It appears the trees were never under threat.

The extension proposed by Ground Equipment Hire Limited (GEHL) applied to land immediately adjacent to their premises.

Paul Kettrick, property manager for the council, told the latest meeting of the Executive the business even plans to add to the tree screening on the southern boundary of the industrial estate.

The firm now proposes to apply for planning permission to develop the site before the sale going ahead - a reversal of the usual process.

Councillor Charles Kennedy asked why there had been recommendation to sell that land with no recognition of the trees.

Mr Kettrick said: “The area was identified within the industrial estate envelope.

“There was also recognition, which was perhaps not made clear in the report that a large proportion would be retained for screening.

“I can only apologise for that.”

Councillor Kennedy remarked that while the initial paper referred to scrub land and made no mention of trees.

The new paper referred only to trees.

Mr Kettrick said that while the whole area was identified for sale, the scrub land referred to was land immediately adjacent to the existing buildings, which is covered with low bushes rather than mature trees, that was to be developed.

“There was never an intention to mislead so we can be clear on that.” he added.

Estates staff have been working with an arboriculturist on a survey of the tree screening, and also working with the business.

Councillor Kennedy referred to the December meeting when he pointed out that the neighbours would not have been consulted about the sale, despite the potential impact.

Mr Kettrick agreed that neighbours would not have been consulted at that stage.

He said and that the consultation would come at a later date when a planning application was lodged.

A report to the Executive by Mr Kettrick added: “Officers from Planning Services have confirmed that anyone seeking to develop this site would first be required to secure planning permission for a change of use and that any such permission would include a requirement for the developer to retain and possibly enhance the existing trees located along the site’s southern boundary.”

He added: “.... it is considered appropriate that GEHL should seek planning permission for their intended change of use in advance of any potential purchase of this land from the council.

“This would afford adjoining owners (including neighbouring residents) the opportunity of commenting on the proposed development as an integral part of the statutory planning process.

“This approach has been discussed with GEHL and they are happy to proceed on that basis.”

Mr Kettrick’s report continued: “Once GEHL’s planning application has been determined, it is proposed that, if appropriate, a further report should be presented to a future meeting of the Council Executive.”

After the meeting, a council spokesman added another report may be brought to committee on the issue.

He added: “Council Executive noted the terms of the report and additional information provided by officers and agreed that subject to the outcome of any planning application, if appropriate, a further report may be brought forward to Executive for the consideration of the proposed disposal.”