Plans to extend a nursery in Livingston have been backed by councillors.
The proposals stalled in April over a dispute in paperwork related to flooding risks.
And, while planners said the risks still existed, West Lothian Council’s Development Management Committee agreed to allow the building to go ahead.
Councillor Willie Boyle, who had urged a decision at an earlier hearing, told a recent meeting of the DMC that mitigation against flood potential risk had been promised by an agent for the developer, David Cowan, and could be added a condition of consent.
The agent told the committee that they would specify minimum flooring levels to protect the interiors of the new buildings from a future flood.
Planners had recommended refusal of a plan by David Cowan to build a 396sqm building of 2 retail/office (Class 1A) and 1 nursery (Class 10) units on land at Beveridge Square in Livingston.
Planners said: “The scale, character and appearance of the proposed building would appear at odds/incongruent with the layout and design of the existing building and wider area.
At the latest meeting of the DMC they maintained the call to refuse permission, also citing the extended buildings would constitute a cramming effect.
Mr Cowan had questioned that assertion from the outset. He told a meeting in April that similar buildings already exist directly opposite the site he owns.
Jenny Fisher who runs the existing nursery on the site said the proposal would double the size of the nursery, opening up space to the dozens of parents she has had to turn away because the facility is full.
In a statement supporting the plans Ms Fisher said: “ABC Nursery is currently operating at full capacity and is turning away approximately three to four clients each week due to the recent closure of several West Lothian Council nurseries.”
She also highlighted the recent closure of council nurseries in Livingston.
Planners had earlier said they would have no objection to one standalone extension to the nursery.
Councillor Boyle said: “I feel we are splitting hairs on the flood risk. I’m minded to grant subject to conditions on the flood risk reports. If we can move this forward.”
Chair of the committee Councillor Harry Cartmill said: “We want to come to a conclusion. We don’t want to leave this hanging here. I’m of a mind to support councillor Boyle’s stance.”
Planning permission was granted.
By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter
