The housebuilder’s proposals included the provision of two, three, four and five-bedroom homes, new play areas as well as new bus stops on Sibbalds Brae, ten acres of open space, footpath and cycle links to Bathgate networks together with associated infrastructure.

The land at Sibbalds Brae was granted Planning Permission in Principle (PPiP) in February 2020, and Taylor Wimpey’s application for Approval of Matters Specified by Condition (AMSC) sought to build on the outline design framework, integrating the proposed new development with the existing housing near the boundary of the development.

Electric Vehicle Charging Points and Solar PV panels were also proposed, while a significant area of open space was to be retained and improved for the use of residents and a sustainable urban drainage system to manage surface water.

However, councillors on West Lothian Council’s Development Management Committee did not grant planning permission over concerns regarding the density of the development.

Council leader Councillor Lawrence Fitzpatrick said at the time: “I am concerned about what I see as cramming, with 189 houses going in and, as in Armadale before, I’m really concerned about the pressure on GP services.”

The housebuilder appealed to the Scottish Government in respect of West Lothian Council Planning Committee’s refusal of its Approval of Matters Specified by Condition application.

A spokesperson for the company said: “We lodged this appeal on the basis that, in our opinion, we comply with all the council’s Local Development Plan and design guidance policies, contrary to the reasons for the refusal upon which the Planning Committee’s decision was based. Planning Permission in Principle (PPiP) was granted for the development in February 2020.

“A Reporter appointed by the Scottish Government has determined that our development is approved, with conditions. We are looking forward to starting our development of 189 much-needed homes, including 29 affordable homes to be delivered in partnership with Dunedin Canmore. We expect to begin pre-construction works within the next few months.”

They added: “Despite being significantly delayed by the appeal process, we firmly believe that this positive outcome will contribute towards addressing the urgent housing need in Bathgate.”