A developer has won permission to build 43 new homes in a West Lothian village despite objections from neighbours.
Ongoing concerns about health care provision from East Calder Medical Practice were cited by objectors and backed by an SNP councillor.
And the community council disputed an assertion by planners that earlier objections by them had been addressed in the revised plan put before councillors.
Ogilvie Homes lodged revised proposals to develop a site in Kirknewton which is earmarked for housing. However, villagers raised concerns about increased traffic. The new estate will be accessed through Station Mews which is currently ends with a five-bar wooden gate to an open field.
Among the principal objections was the threat to wildlife and the impact of increasing climate change on drainage. The council chambers in Livingston was cleared of press and public to allow the meeting to hear concerns about a badger sett aired in private because of protected species legislation.
Objectors said “Drainage plans do not take account of driving rain and surface water off hard standing.”
However, answering questions from councillors, a council flood risk officer gave assurances that proposals for a Sustainable Urban Drainage Scheme (SUDS) as part of the project would offer extra protection during heavy storms.
Neighbours in Station Mews also aired objections that there would be a loss of light and privacy from new homes built hard up against their existing boundaries.
Councillor Pauline Clark said: “I am very confident that East Calder will get their new health centre but I am not confident that centre will not be built in time for people moving into this new development and we have a responsibility here and that is we shouldn’t be saying yes to this today.
“We should wait until we know when the new centre will be built and ready to take on patients so although I don’t have an objection to the new build, I have do have reserves that we are adding to already significant problems in health care.”
Councillor Clark asked for her objection to be recorded.
Fellow SNP member Willie Boyle said: “I have to say from what has been presented I am now confident that concerns have been addressed about drainage, I’m minded granting this.
Councillor Conn seconded a motion by George Paul, chairing the committee to allow with development to go ahead with added conditions.
By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter
