Plans to build 250 homes near the Five Sisters bings at West Calder have been met with fury from locals.
A planning application in principle from Miller Homes for the new housing development has attracted more than 70 letters of opposition.
The housebuilder wants to create a new 250-home development on land north of the B792 at Mossend, West Calder.
One local woman said she and many other people in the area were “absolutely disgusted” with the proposal.
She continued: “This area of West Calder has a long history with the oil works which should be preserved, not completely destroyed with new-build houses.
“This would totally ruin the countryside and the view for the current residents of Tenants March in particular, my elderly mother being one of them.
“The roads are not geared up for so many cars either.
“It can be bad enough at peak times at present without a whole load of additional cars queuing at Mossend and up the Cleugh Brae.
“I dread to think what this would be like. It is just not a feasible idea at all.
“We should be looking after the countryside and encourage the Scottish Government Net Zero campaign and this completely flies in the face of all their goals.
“The current long-standing residents of Tenants March, many of them elderly, will have no say in this, not to forget all the wildlife and rare plants that inhabit this area at present.
“It is a travesty if these are destroyed. There will be little green space left locally.
“The development at Mossend is a completely crazy idea and should be stopped now before you lose the character and history of this lovely little village forever. I am actually disgusted that this is even being contemplated.”
West Calder and Harburn Community Council has also said the planning application should be rejected, insisting that the
area could not cope with more housing.
A spokesperson from Miller Homes said: “We are currently seeking planning permission in principle for a site in Moss End, West Calder to deliver around 250 homes. West Calder is a popular location among families and first-time buyers, offering great value and excellent accessibility to Edinburgh and Glasgow.
“West Lothian is in much need of new housing, and we believe this development can effectively support the council’s five-year housing land supply requirements. During the pre-application stage we held an online public exhibition, as well as meeting the community council and we continue to welcome feedback and maintain an open dialogue as our planning application progresses.”
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