Planning

Planning Report - January 2007

The number of planning applications requiring comment from the Civic Trust continues to be lower than in recent years and we have been concerned that the Council is no longer consulting us on all relevant proposals. This has been raised directly with the Council planners who have assured us that they will consult as appropriate. Despite such assurances, we are still not being consulted as before on all applications advertised in the 'Gazette', in conservation areas, etc. and now have to formally request consultation on applications of interest to the Trust, to a much greater extent than formerly.

The most significant applications which have received comment from the Civic Trust since the last Newsletter are as follows:

  • Re-use of former bakehouse at 77 High Street, Linlithgow as office space (previously refused on appeal for conversion to a house) - the Trust welcomed this proposal as a means of restoring the listed building to good condition and active use
  • Erection of a sixth dwellinghouse in the grounds of Westerlea, Friars Brae/Preston Road - the Trust considered this planning application was premature pending the provision of a comprehensive, detailed and enforceable development plan for the whole Westerlea site (rather than a piecemeal approach) and pending the outcome of the West Lothian Local Plan Public Local Inquiry (this is one of the sites identified by the Trust as potentially contributing to the overall 'planning gain' package for Linlithgow)  - see Consultation Response.
  • Construction of access road to proposed Care Home at Bonnytoun Farm Road  - see Consultation Response.

Members will be aware that two significant developments, the design of which was of concern to the Civic Trust, are now under construction - Donaldson's School at the top of Preston Road and the housing development on the site of Henderson's abattoir at Braehead Road/Preston Road. It will be interesting to see the finished appearance of these developments.

Ronald P A Smith BSc MRTPI, LCT Planning Officer