Controversial plans to build on the some of the last open farmland on the northern side of the A71 through West Lothian may yet be given the green light following an appeal to the Scottish Government.
A Reporter appointed by the Division of Planning and Environmental Appeals announced that she was minded to overturn West Lothian Council’s decision to block planning permission in principle to develop Brotherton Farm at Polbeth and grant Taylor Wimpey planning permission.
If it goes ahead it will see the gap between Livingston new town and the ancient boundary of the village of Polbeth reduced to just 280ft across rough ground and a burn.
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This will create a built-up corridor along the A71 from the western end of West Calder to almost the city boundary of Edinburgh - more than 10 miles
Council leader Lawrence Fitzpatrick, whose Livingston South ward is on the boundary with Polbeth, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “The Brotherton decision is disgraceful and the community is seething.”
He added: “From a West Lothian perspective various appeals by developers have found favour with Reporters whereas in other cases the Reporter has determined that the council is right.”
And he added: “Brotherton is a stunning area of countryside recognised as such by Council in developing its Local Development Plan. The greed of developers disgusts me.
“When the appeal system loses public confidence as has been the case for some time, the Scottish Government should have acted with urgency and it didn't. Developers can appeal but objectors cannot. It’s known as the democratic deficit.”
Where a reporter makes a final decision it can only be challenged through the courts which makes it prohibitively expensive for councils.
ln what is a complex legal situation the council can challenge the ruling. It, and other objectors have the opportunity to write to the Reporter and seek to change her view.
Key to the decision is whether the DPEA accepts the house builder’s argument that West Lothian has not set aside enough land for housing development in the next decade - or the council’s argument that it has.
Also crucial is the introduction of updated planning regulations - the long awaited National Planning Framework 4 - expected within weeks and which will hopefully nail some clarity on the issue of land supply.
For its part Taylor Wimpey says it will enhance the area with its development of the 39 acre farm.
n its online brochure it says: “We are working closely with local residents, community groups, West Lothian Council and other key stakeholders to develop plans for an exciting new community at Brotherton Farm, Livingston. Our proposals include around 285 new family homes.
And it adds: “Our plans also include high-quality landscaping, recreation areas and play space for family and friends to enjoy. The development design also includes improvements to the attractive woodland of Harwood Water on the western boundary of the site and we plan to create green connections to Limefield Glen wherever possible.”
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