Planning Applications April - August 2005
(LCT Newsletter 2005-3 Planning Applications Report)
As a matter of course, West Lothian Council requests the Trust's views on
applications relating to conservation areas and listed buildings in the Royal
Burgh of Linlithgow. In addition, direct consultation is also received, or
requested, on other development proposals affecting the town which can be
considered particularly significant or contentious.
Since the AGM in April, the Trust has been invited to comment on about 15
planning applications. Responses have included the following:
- Erection of Retail Store and Restaurant at Falkirk Road (Aldi Stores)
- This proposal, replacing the former Somerfield Store and adjacent petrol
filling station, was accepted in principle, but strong concerns were
expressed about the position of the road access (since rectified) and the
poor to non-existent landscaping along the main road frontage.
- Detailed Application for 5,116 sq Metre Retail Development at Falkirk
Road (Macdonald Estates) - Reference was made to the Trust's earlier
objection to the principle of this development which was nevertheless
approved by West Lothian Council. With regard to the detailed plans,
the layout was considered extremely cramped, with too much development
squeezed on to the site. The vehicular access arrangements were poor,
and (as with the Aldi application) the minimal strip of landscaping proposed
for the Falkirk Road frontage was woefully insufficient for such an
important town entrance location. Despite this, the application was
approved with only minor tree planting improvements.
- Erection of House at Riccarton Road (Walker Homes) - The Trust
objected to this proposal for one house at the south-east corner of the open
space at the corner of Riccarton Road and Manse Road, on grounds of loss of
open space (which should be upgraded), piecemeal development, etc.
Incredibly, the proposal was recommended for approval by the planning
officials, and passed at Committee on the casting vote of the Chairman!
- Erection of 12 metre high telecommunications mast at Manse Road (T
Mobile) - This application related to a site by the seat on the towpath,
just to the east of the Manse Road canal bridge. The Trust submitted
its objections, and the application was refused by the Council.
We have also made further comment on the proposals for new school buildings
at Preston Road for the relocation of Donaldson's College. Although we
have emphasised the Trust's encouragement for high-quality modern architecture,
we remain unconvinced that the synthetic modern building materials and some
aspects of the design are entirely appropriate for the site. In addition,
we have raised the poor quality of landscape work around the new flats at St
Ninian's Way with the Council's planners who have agreed to take the appropriate
enforcement action against Cruden Estates.
Ronald P A Smith BSc MRTPI, LCT Chairman & Planning Officer
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