The former Cedarbank School and grounds in Ladywell, Livingston will be home to 47 new affordable homes in a re-development deal which has netted the council £475,000.
The new Cedarbank opened in the grounds of James Young High School earlier this year and the former school buildings have been sold to Springfield Properties.
In a report to the council’s Executive David Baird, Property Manager, said: “Multiple offers were received at the closing date and officers have concluded that the offer to purchase received from Springfield Properties PLC represents the best value to the council, that offer being the highest of those received.”
READ MORE: West Lothian tightens firework sales rules ahead of Bonfire Night
The guide price for marketing the site - just over an acre in size - was around £300,000.
Mr Baird told the meeting the developers propose to demolish the former school and build approximately 47 affordable homes in a development of new flats on the site.
The report said there had been initial interest in retaining the school building for community use but this had come to nothing.
It outlined: “Officers were aware of interest from local community groups who explored the possibility of collaborating to form an umbrella organisation that could potentially occupy and operate from the property. Officers engaged with those groups, arranging viewings and providing property-related information to help inform their discussions.
“The groups were also supported by officers from the council’s Community Wealth Building team. Ultimately, the community groups concluded that their proposals were not viable and the proposed umbrella organisation has since disbanded. No representations were received from community groups at the closing date and no Community Asset Transfer applications have been received.”
The Executive approved the sale. Local Councillor Robert De Bold expressed concern about the impact of the new homes on facilities including surrounding schools and GP practices and sought assurance that any new pressure from new building.
Mr Baird told the meeting that these concerns could be addressed at the planning stage.
Sign up to Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox
READ NEXT:
West Lothian has 30,000 tonnes of salt ready to tackle the harshest winter
West Lothian could cut kettle and microwave use over £2.6m energy bill hike
West Lothian Bonfire Night safety concern as people urged to report hazards
No speed cuts for West Lothian rural roads despite residents two year campaign
West Lothian schools set to bear brunt of budget cuts, consultation shows
