THE redevelopment of Bangour Village has reached a major milestone after Ambassador Group and West Lothian Council agreed ‘key’ community benefits as part of the conditions of the site’s approved Planning Permission in Principle.
The developer plans to ‘reawaken’ the former NHS site, which will include the restoration of listed buildings within the 215-acre estate and construction of over 900 homes within newly created linear parkways utilising woodland within the site.
This agreement is said to ensure the retention and refurbishment of eleven of the existing listed buildings – including an A-listed church that will be refurbished and returned to the community.
A new community retail hub will also be created and there will be investment in education provision including the construction of a new primary school within the estate utilising the site’s original A-listed recreation hall.
At least 20% of the homes within Bangour Village Estate will be dedicated to affordable housing, which in the current plans will equate to around 200 properties. The agreement, which forms part of the planning conditions, also details Ambassador’s intention to deliver a district heating system, which should contribute towards a reduction in carbon emissions for the site as a whole.
Gordon Coster, MD of Ambassador Group’s developments division, said, “This is a major milestone in bringing our vision for Bangour Village Estate to fruition and shows our commitment to integrating with the local community. We hope it recognises, respects and cherishes the heritage of Bangour in such a way that our reimagining brings this iconic and much-loved site back to life.
“These community benefits are essential in establishing the necessary infrastructure and environment we would like to achieve here, bringing circa £150m of investment into the area over the 10-year project. We are delighted to have reached an agreement with West Lothian Council as we move forward through the detailed planning process.
“We pride ourselves on being a good neighbour within the communities we build in. We are incredibly excited to be progressing these plans to restore and repurpose this incredible site, whilst engaging with the surrounding communities to drive forward these commitments in the coming months.”
Bangour Village Estate has been granted planning permission in principle for its overall masterplan and Ambassador Living is now working through the detailed plans to allow them to commence on site.
