Plans for 90 new homes in new 'West Lothian village' despite objections

Plans for a new housing development in East Calder have been submitted to West Lothian Council.

Miller Homes is proposing to build 90 new homes with 23 being affordable housing at Oakbank Road, north of Hoghill Farm. According to the plans 82 houses and eight apartments would be built on a site which is predominantly grassland and used for grazing.

It comes after West Lothian Council declared a housing emergency in May this year. Miller Homes argues the new development would offer 'social and economic benefits' as it plans to build a mix of detached, semi-detached, cottages, flats and bungalows.

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The planning statement adds: "The new homes will be built to high environmental and energy efficiency standards. The proposals include for various active travel links which will facilitate walking and wheeling. EVs charging will be provided across the proposed development."

However, consultation from the housing strategy and development has suggested a holding objection on the plans and argued the housing did not meet the current affordable housing policy.

As published on West Lothian's planning portal, it states on the consultation: "The affordable provision provides a range of house types (bungalows, four in a block and terraced houses). Housing mix however heavily weighted with two-bed properties (14 out of 23) which does not reflect the provision on the private units (all detached four properties).

"Greater consideration to larger affordable properties should be given as currently only nine of 23 units are three and four bed. Affordable provision would benefit from increasing semi-detached and detached houses to reflect wider site."

The proposals are currently awaiting a decision.

You can see more information or respond with a comment on West Lothian's Planning Portal here.