Plans to convert a derelict pub in a West Lothian village to short term let with hostel-style rooms have been thrown out.
Local councillor for Longridge, Pauline Clark told a meeting: “it’s not right for this area.”
Villagers agreed. There were almost 200 objections to what many feared would become accommodation for addicts or asylum seekers.
But Colin Hardie, acting as an agent for the owner, disputed many objections telling councillors the planned accommodation would be fully licensed and regulated.
Mr Hardie added that West Lothian Council’s housing staff had identified a need for affordable housing for single people.
Mr J. McNeill had applied for planning permission for a change of use, extension and alterations to the former Heather Inn to form a 14-bedroom house in multiple occupation (HMO) at 1 Hillside Place, Longridge.
Planning officer Tony Irving told the Development Management Committee: “A two storey flat roofed rear extension is proposed to allow a total of 14 rooms that would be let on an individual basis. The floor plans show 7 rooms with en-suite facilities and a kitchen on the ground floor with the same at the lower ground floor.”
Mr Irving’s report said: “Although the site is served by bus services and therefore supports sustainable transport objectives, key day-to-day facilities are not within a reasonable walking or cycling distance from the site.
“Consequently, the scale of the proposed HMO development is considered inappropriate for the location, as future residents would need to access key local facilities that would meet their daily needs at more distant locations.”
Planners also identified concerns about parking and rubbish collection at the site, which sits at the end of a residential street.
The proposals received 196 objectors. All pointed to the total lack of facilities in the village. It no longer has a shop. The only business is a chip shop. All services lie down the hill in Whitburn. The village also has poor public transport.
Many people raised fears about noise and disturbance. Some complained that the building would be used for addicts, homeless or asylum seekers, with some comment about bunk beds, and a risk to children.
One criticised the design, saying: “Whilst the planned building looks okay from the outside, once you realise that there will be 14 adults sharing it with little access to natural light, no communal or recreational spaces it becomes a prison block with an open door.
“The garden has been made to look much bigger than it will be in reality, especially backing into a wrecking vehicle yard.”
Mr Hardie told the committee that Mr McNeill’s plans provided affordable accommodation giving 14 people the financial benefits of shared living. He added: “WLC Housing has identified a need for affordable single person accommodation. It is licensed and regulated which is very important.”
Councillor Clark pointed out that when councillors had visited the site, which has lain derelict for years, a neighbour who encountered them had hoped it was about plans for a shop, something that was needed.
She said it would be a better site for a shop or flats. “Longridge, for all the reasons that have been said, is not the right place for this type of development. It would certainly benefit from a shop. It’s never going to be a pub again, but it would certainly benefit from redevelopment.
“A HMO is not right for this area.”
Fellow councillors backed her motion to reject the application.
By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter
