Plans unveiled for low carbon development in West Lothian

NEW proposals have been put forward for the delivery of a residential-led mixed-use development in West Lothian.

Situated at the current Clapperton poultry farm complex, east of Livingston, Drumshoreland Garden Community has been tipped to comprise a ‘vibrant sustainable development’.

The Clapperton site, owned by Amber REI (Agriculture), currently comprises ageing poultry sheds and surplus land.

Up to 2,000 homes, including 500 affordable homes, are proposed at Drumshoreland, and will be brought forward by Elan Homes (Scotland) Ltd, a sister company of Amber REI.

The low carbon community has also been described as serving to address a ‘significant historic housing land supply problem’ in West Lothian.

A range of house types will be provided, with plans also included for employment, education and other community facilities.

The development will seek to embrace the philosophy of ‘a 20-minute neighbourhood’, as promoted in the Scottish Government’s recent ‘Protecting Scotland, Renewing Scotland: The Government’s Programme for Scotland 2020-2021’, where people can meet most of their essential needs within a 20-minute walk.

Two Proposal of Application Notices (PAN) for planning permission in principle (PPiP) have been submitted to West Lothian Council. These formally note that planning applications will be submitted in due course to establish the principle of development on the site. A PPiP application will be submitted covering the wider site and the other PPiP will cover an area of land located within the wider site.

The initial plan is to improve, replace and expand elements of the Scottish poultry supply chain, including redevelopment of existing feed mill at Edinburgh Airport and a new animal feed mill located in the Firth of Forth, and new sustainable farming space across West Lothian.

A spokesperson from Amber REI (Agriculture) said, “We are delighted these exciting proposals are being bought forward and that they will deliver significant investment not only in West Lothian but across Scotland as a whole. As an exemplar low carbon community Drumshoreland will not only deliver much-needed housing, including affordable housing, but employment, education and community facilities. It will also deliver significant post-COVID investment into the poultry processing supply chain across Scotland, creating jobs, both directly and indirectly, as well as delivering a low carbon future for the agriculture sector.

“This new sustainable neighbourhood will not only help to meet the housing needs of both this and future generations, it will also deliver a clear investment legacy across Scotland.”