Controversial plans for a 60 bed care home in Linlithgow Bridge have been passed after the developers rejigged designs to provide more parking spaces.
The new plans were described as "the least worst option", with the plans facing objections over fears at the effect it will have on the surrounding roads network.
Immediate neighbours in Broomyhill Place had protested that their quiet cul-de-sac was to be turned over to an exit road in the original proposals, and welcomed the redesign which will see entrance and exit on to Falkirk Road.
However they remain unhappy that a public footpath/ cycleway will run through their grounds in the redrawn plans finally accepted by the Development Management Committee in Livingston today.
And they continue to protest that the care home is too big for the site- something backed up by the town's Civic Trust- urging a more suitable site with more parking potential be found.
Speaking on behalf of several neighbours and Broomyhill Place resident Jean McLeod maintained that the increase in parking spaces - to 22 from 14 - was still nowhere near enough to accommodate staff and visitors, especially at shift changeover times.
She said the retention of a cycle path through Boomyhill place would bring pedestrians and cyclists within feet of the french doors of ground floor flats, many of which are occupied by retirees. Promises of signage directing visitors and staff to other car parks would be ignored as parking is not enforced, she said.
"If it is accepted that a care home of this size is required it should be located where there is room for it without making an impact on people's lives," she added, quoting another neighbour Duncan Galley.
Mike Dunning for the Civic Trust said: "This building is too big for this site."
The redraw of the road also drew criticism from the neighbours as well as local member Councillor Tom Conn.
Neighbours and other objectors had highlighted how busy the roads are at the moment, and how busy it is expected to become when a new M&S store opens in the retail park on the opposite side of Falkirk road.
The new access/exit from the care home will require leaving in one direction [eastward] and arriving from the west. This means a drive to the roundabout with Preston Road to turn back westwards or, as councillor Conn suggested, cutting through the petrol station forecourt to switch direction. Both, he contended, would exacerbate existing traffic problems in the immediate area.
Kenneth Brown, for the council's roads department, said that the redraw also showed plans to widen a central traffic island in the road but he conceded the plan was now "the least worst option."
He added: "Drivers would be forced to turn left which would force drivers to drive all the way to mini roundabout, I'm sure some will just decided it's easier to do a U-turn in the forecourt.
Councillor Conn also questioned how desirable or essential the cyclepath was, suggesting it would meander through privately owned land. Told that cycling groups had pressed for a cyclepath, he asked if the council could impose the views of the cycling lobby through the planning process?
Councillor Stuart Borrowman, chairing the meeting, echoed the comment on the least worst option, but said the redraw met demands by planners.
"In view of all that we heard, and all the adjustments that have been made and accepting that life is perfect, but nonetheless planning is satisfied that the policies have been met. The least worst option, as one of the witnesses said, I'm minded to move acceptance of the report."
This was backed by Councillor Willie Boyle.
Councillor Conn said he was concerned about the road safety given the comment by the roads engineer and could not reconcile the problems that the development would bring to the nearby Preston Road roundabout which already creates access issues for drivers.
He added: "If I'm honest I'm loath to oppose the application given that there's a need for the facility. I'll move refusal on the basis of the junction on Falkirk Road and road safety measures."
However there was no seconder for the amendment.
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