Monday June 23rd 2025
Area for planned flats in West Calder
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Stuart Sommerville
Plans to build four new two bedroomed flats in the heart of West Calder have been welcomed as a contribution in the fight against the current housing crisis.
The proposals for a vacant site in Stewart Avenue did attract seven objections including one from the village community council voicing concern about potential parking issues.
But councillors on the Development Management Committee accepted that the site, in the heart of flatted development just off the main street, would be the best use of the site.
The DMC heard that the applicant, a Mr Webb, plans a single block of four flats facing onto Dickson Road, across from existing flats and a block of garages.
A planning officer outlined the proposals.
The site is located on a corner plot and is surrounded by residential properties to the north, south and east, whilst to the west there is a commercial property.
The applicant has shown parking provision for six vehicles in total, including an accessible parking space. Additionally, there is a bin store proposed north of the building, amenity space around the side and rear of the premises with patio provision for the ground floor flats.
Objectors suggested that the design would create an appearance of scale and massing not in-keeping with neighbouring bungalows. There were also fears about further road congestion and parking in the largely residential area.
Councillor Willie Boyle asked: “Is this the bare minimum parking required or is there scope to condition additional spaces?
Planning officer Gillian Cyphus said that Transport officers agreed that six spaces met the standard required for the size of development. She added: “I appreciate parking is a concern for residents locally. It is difficult to put additional space on site without impacting on something else such as the bin stores or garden space.
“There is quite bit of on-street parking round about and a large public car park quite close. We are satisfied, as are transport colleagues, that the applicant has provided sufficient space.”
Councillor Boyle maintained he still “ had concerns about potential parking issues.”
Councillor Pauline Clark in whose ward West Calder is in said: “I can understand some concerns on parking but it is in an ideal position for housing. I think I’m quite happy to support this.”
Councillor Tony Boyle said: “Looking at the location and the parking round about it I don’t see parking as an issue.”
Councillor Pauline Stafford said: “I think, on balance, it is a well connected site close the village centre. I would hope that would encourage residents not to use their cars as much as and I think that in the light of having declared a housing crisis it is the best use of this plot.”
A report to committee said: “The overall scale and design of the proposal is satisfactory given the nearby flats and residential care home densities, there is a mix of building heights in the surrounding area.
“There are no overlooking or privacy concerns, side windows are for the bathroom and would be obscure glazed. Garden ground is considered adequate. Each ground floor flat has a private hard standing patio. Solar panels are noted on the roof plane.
“The application site is located within a short walking distance to the town centre, schools, public transport .”
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