Proposal for new housing rejected

Plans to squeeze 125 homes onto the banks of the River Almond would destroy the habitat of otters and the ancient landscape of a drovers’ road, residents have warned.

Robertson Homes applied for planning permission in principle to build on New Calder Mill Road in Mid Calder.

The land to the east of the Lizzie Bryce Roundabout is open country with a line of mature trees and slopes gently down to a stretch of the Almond.

West Lothian Planning Committee heard the proposals faced more than 50 objections including from Mid Calder Community Council as well as neighbouring Howden Community Council in Livingston.

There were concerns that the housing would not only destroy wildlife but would crowd already busy roads and put increased pressure on local infrastructure services such as the local doctors’ surgery.

Many of the written objections echoed those of Vivienne Kelly who wrote: “This field is used by the otters who come over from the Weir to Lord Torphican’s pond and back. It is also an area heavily used by Tawny Owls and Deer, other wildlife and migrating birds.”

Planners said the loss of the 17-acre site would have a significant detrimental impact on the area.

It was also contrary to strategic and local policies.

Addressing the council meeting, another objector, Jenni Cockburn, said: “The village aspect does seem to be disappearing. Road quality and condition is really poor in the village.

“Local facilities are already under pressure. There simply isn’t enough in the village to sustain more development.”

She added: “As well as potentially an area of countryside there are many species of wildlife whose homes would be destroyed.

“Let’s protect and enhance the assets we have and develop opportunities for our heritage and biodiversity.”

Steve Looms, representing Robertson

Homes, said the planning permission sought was in principle and the firm was keen to work with the council and community on developing the proposal. He said the site offered excellent connectivity and fitted in with the development concept of the 20-minute neighbourhood.

Mr Looms added that there were no objections to the development from statutory bodies.

He said the development would bring new open space and provide a green space corridor that would bring a high quality environment and sense of place.

Local councillors Tom Ullathorne and Carl John questioned the development’s potential impact on the village, and the river.

A community action group has recently been formed and is working to clean up the river.

The community has also been active in working with the council and Forth Rivers Trust on work carried out at the weir.

A later meeting of the full council rejected the Robertson application.

Councillors questioned the continued use of disputed figures.

Nearly all large developments planned recently have argued that there is a shortfall of more than 6000 homes in the county.

Robertson is the latest house builder to use this argument.

The council disputes this, saying it has met the targets.

The dispute lies in the methodology of calculation, and Labour’s Harry Cartmill called for clarity.

He said: “It boils down to the council saying one thing and developers another.

“It is high time guidelines were produced that are clear and concise.

“I would appeal to the Scottish Government to please come up with these guidelines as soon as possible.

He was echoed by depute Labour group leader, Councillor Kirsteen Sullivan, who said: “It is really not on. We are seeing time and again local decisions overturned around this one issue.

“We need absolute clarity at the earliest opportunity.”