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Developers who have applied to build over 40 new houses alongside shops have been urged to think again after facing opposition from locals.

MSP Fiona Hyslop has added her voice to concerns about the proposal from Persimmon at Wester Inch for 46 residential properties and 15 flats, as well as five commercial units and land for a future community facility.

We reported in December that the application at the site of Leyland Road/ Simpson Avenue had attracted over 70 objections, with many saying the proposed development and shops will cause additional traffic – particularly at

Wright Place – which will be unsafe for those living nearby.

Fiona Hyslop MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency has written to the chief executive of West Lothian Council to raise concerns over the application.

She said:“Residents of Wester Inch Village have been waiting a long time for commercial units, and whilst it’s good news that commercial units are part of the planning application, the erection of more housing is an issue.

“Additional housing within Wester Inch will lead to more pressure on already limited resources, will reduce green space within the village, and lead to increased traffic congestion

“I have written to the chief executive of West Lothian Council to raise the concerns of residents, and I have asked that the planning application is amended to meet the needs of the village.”

Objectors said if the proposal went ahead, congestion from additional homes would“reduce child safety in any area very close to the primary school”while others voiced concerns that Simpson Primary is already at capacity and could not cope with more children.

However, there was some support for the application, with locals saying the area desperately needs shops.