Thu, Apr 26 2012
One of the UK's single largest residential and mixed use developments, worth an estimated £1 billion, has been granted planning permission by West Lothian Council.
It is estimated that the overall project will create thousands of jobs and bring major improvements to the area. The masterplan for the Winchburgh Development, which covers 870 acres, received Planning Permission in Principle from West Lothian Council, after the official documents were signed. The plan includes 3,450 residential units including affordable housing, a new town centre with retail, commercial, leisure facilities, land for a partnership centre, three neighbourhood retail/commercial centres, remediation of the Auld Cathie landfill site and a canal basin. Major transportation improvements include; a motorway junction and road connections, a new railway station, a new distributor road connection to Broxburn, a network of paths and two park and ride facilities. The expansion will also result in two secondary schools (one denominational and one non-denominational) on a joint campus on the west side of the development, with school and community sports pitches and facilities. Two or three new primary schools (as required) and extension/improvements to the existing Holy Family/Winchburgh Primary Schools buildings. New leisure facilities include a town park around the former claypit, a district park and three neighbourhood parks with play and sports facilities.
Steve Field, West Lothian Council's head of planning and economic development, said: "The signing of the Section 75 agreement marks an important step in the development of Winchburgh and the surrounding communities." Detailed planning applications for the first phase of residential development covering 177 new homes will be now submitted for approval. Sigma Capital Group plc, which is been responsible for project managing the masterplan, has already secured contracts on behalf of Regenco Trading Ltd with Barratt Homes and Miller Homes for the delivery of the first phase of the development and subject to detailed planning consents being finalised, site works are expected to commence in August. Commenting on the Planning Approval, Graham Barnet, CEO of Sigma, said: "The granting of Planning Permission in Principle by West Lothian Council for the Winchburgh Development masterplan unlocks the development of this substantial site. We are delighted to have reached this landmark and will be supporting the next stage, which involves the early delivery of 177 new homes."
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