THE team behind a proposed low carbon development east of Livingston is urging West Lothian Council to give it support to help address the recently declared housing emergency in the area.
Drumshoreland Garden Community is a potential £275 million residential-led mixed-use site located at the Clapperton poultry farm complex, owned and being brought forward for development by Amber REI (Agriculture) Ltd.
Comprising a development of 108 hectares, around 1,800 homes – including 472 affordable homes – are proposed. These will be brought forward by Elan Homes (Scotland) Ltd, a sister company of the site owners.
An application for planning permission in principle (PPiP) was submitted in February 2021 to West Lothian Council, and appealed in November 2021 to the Scottish ministers, following a failure by the council to determine it within a statutory four-month period.
Amber REI (Agriculture) Ltd has now written to the chief and depute chief executive of West Lothian Council, urging it to reverse its opposition to the development, and indicate to ministers that they would be content to support approval of the application.
A wide range of house types, sizes and tenures are proposed. ‘Positive discussions’ are said to have already been held with a registered social landlord, Almond Housing Association, with respect to the early planning and ultimate delivery of affordable housing, as well as with Veterans Housing Scotland for some veteran housing on the site.
The site is also tipped to deliver employment, education and community facilities, including a new primary school. Sustainability credentials would be enhanced with on-site renewable energy generation and storage.
A spokesperson for Amber REI (Agriculture) said, “Drumshoreland Garden Community provides a fabulous opportunity to assist in tackling West Lothian Council’s recently declared housing emergency. We would urge it to reverse its opposition and indicate to the Scottish Ministers that they would be content to support approval of this low carbon community, acknowledging the significant contribution it could make to delivering housing, both affordable and market, in West Lothian.
“In addition to housing, the development will also deliver employment, education and community facilities, all located in a unique parkland setting.”
