Ogilvie Homes has secured planning permission to build 43 new homes in Kirknewton, West Lothian, despite objections from neighbours and a local councillor. The decision was made at a West Lothian Council meeting where concerns about health care provision, traffic, and drainage were raised.
Health care concerns raised
Objectors cited ongoing concerns about health care provision from East Calder Medical Practice, a point backed by SNP councillor Pauline Clark. She said: “I am very confident that East Calder will get their new health centre but I am not confident that centre will not be built in time for people moving into this new development and we have a responsibility here and that is we shouldn’t be saying yes to this today.”
Councillor Clark added: “We should wait until we know when the new centre will be built and ready to take on patients so although I don’t have an objection to the new build, I do have reserves that we are adding to already significant problems in health care.” She asked for her objection to be recorded.
Traffic and drainage objections
The community council disputed an assertion by planners that earlier objections had been addressed in the revised plan. Villagers raised concerns about increased traffic, as the new estate will be accessed through Station Mews, which currently ends with a five-bar wooden gate to an open field.
Among the principal objections was the threat to wildlife and the impact of increasing climate change on drainage. Objectors said: “Drainage plans do not take account of driving rain and surface water off hard standing.” However, a council flood risk officer gave assurances that proposals for a Sustainable Urban Drainage Scheme (SUDS) would offer extra protection during heavy storms.
Approval with conditions
Neighbours in Station Mews also aired objections about loss of light and privacy from new homes built hard up against their existing boundaries. The council chambers was cleared of press and public to allow the meeting to hear concerns about a badger sett aired in private because of protected species legislation.
Fellow SNP member Willie Boyle said: “I have to say from what has been presented I am now confident that concerns have been addressed about drainage, I’m minded to grant this.” Councillor Conn seconded a motion by George Paul, chairing the committee, to allow the development to go ahead with added conditions.
