Application submitted for £275 million low carbon development in West Lothian

Proposals have been submitted to West Lothian Council for an ambitious £275 million resident-led low carbon development.

Application submitted for £275 million low carbon development, the Drumshoreland development, in West Lothian.

The proposals suggest the relocation and development of an existing farm space, Drumshoreland Garden Community, currently found at Clapperton poultry farm, east of Livingston, to a new “state of the art” facility.

The new sustainable development will be 108 hectares and will include an open market and affordable housing, as well as employment and education facilities.

The proposal will deliver hundreds of jobs in both construction and in the completed development.

Around 1,800 homes, including 25 per cent affordable homes are proposed as part of the Drumshoreland Garden Community.

In addition to the facilities, 19.9 hectares of ancient woodland within the new parkland will be given over to public access.

A spokesperson from Amber REI (Agriculture), owner of the Clapperton site, said: “We are delighted to be submitting these planning applications to West Lothian Council which follows significant pre-application consultations with the local community and other stakeholders.

"This could deliver significant investment not only in West Lothian but across Scotland as a whole.

“As an exemplar low carbon community Drumshoreland will not only deliver much-needed housing, including affordable housing, but employment, education and community facilities in a unique parkland setting.

The new development will include an open market and affordable housing, as well as employment and education facilities.

“It would also deliver significant post-Covid-19 investment amounting to more than £150 million into the poultry processing supply chain across Scotland, creating jobs, both directly and indirectly, as well as delivering a low carbon future for the agriculture sector.”

Current facilities at the Clapperton site will be relocated elsewhere in West Lothian, delivering state-of-the-art operations.

The delivery of these improved facilities will also serve to assist in improving standards in the sector while making a major contribution to the Scottish Government’s target of a net-zero society in terms of greenhouse gas emissions by 2045.

Around 1,800 homes, including 25 per cent affordable homes are proposed as part of the Drumshoreland Garden Community and will be brought forward by Elan Homes (Scotland) Ltd, a sister company of Amber REI.

Original housing numbers have reduced to accommodate the need for more mixed-use elements within the development which were raised during initial consultation with key local groups.

A wide range of house types, sizes and tenures will be provided.

This includes affordable housing, with the aim of providing a genuine range and choice, establishing a mixed, diverse community from the outset.

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