Persimmon Homes East will build two, three and four-bed properties with access road, SUDS, landscaping and associated works at the new 1.55-hectare site, on land to the west of Hartwood Road.

Local objections to the proposal covered a variety of complaints, including worries over traffic at Hartwood Road and the junction at Kirkgate, concern that the site is one of the few remaining greenbelt recreational spaces for the community and the strain on current local services and infrastructure.

A new two way access road will be formed from Hartwood Road to create vehicular access and egress to the development. This two way road will serve all properties with two single carriageway ‘pinch points’ designed to control traffic speeds along the main spine road.

Properties fronting onto Hartwood Road will be accessed directly from the carriageway and new footway.

Residential development on Hartwood Road bounds the site to the north and to the south is the settlement boundary with countryside beyond.

The development will be within 1km of Parkhead Primary School and West Calder Secondary School.

Private car parking is to be provided for 45 of the housing units. These private drives/ garages allow at least one space for units up to three bedrooms and at least two spaces for four-bedroom units, as per WLC Parking Standards.

A spokesperson for West Lothian Council said: “The proposed development is acceptable in principle as it is supported by the development plan, in particular policy HOU 1 of the West Lothian Local Development Plan.

“The proposed development would be of a medium density and is considered to be compatible with the surrounding built form.”