Bangour Village housing plans win final agreement to retain listed buildings

Plans to retain listed buildings at Bangour Village housing development have received final approval from councillors in West Lothian. The former hospital buildings and church will be incorporated into the new housing project, which is set to offer close to 1,000 homes near Dechmont. The decision, made by the Development Management Committee, allows for the conversion of historic structures into residential apartments.

During the meeting, some councillors expressed concerns about waste management practices for the new development. They suggested the consideration of underground communal bins, a common practice in European cities, to replace visible communal bin stores. Despite this criticism, the overall plan was welcomed for its preservation of the listed buildings and restoration of the church.

The approval marks the culmination of a lengthy process, with the total number of homes on the site set to reach 976. Councillors also granted listed building consent for four additional applications, ensuring the protection and conversion of all retained historic buildings at the northern part of the Bangour site. While some changes to the buildings will be necessary, such as the removal of certain chimneys, efforts will be made to retain key architectural features.

Councillor Tom Conn commended the development but raised concerns over waste management practices, urging for the inclusion of large underground bin stores in the plans. Other councillors echoed these sentiments, highlighting the need for innovative solutions to waste disposal in new developments. The focus now shifts to ensuring that affordable housing is evenly distributed throughout the development.

In conclusion, the agreement to retain and repurpose the listed buildings at Bangour Village signifies a positive step towards preserving West Lothian’s heritage while addressing the housing needs of the community. The emphasis on sustainable waste management practices reflects a growing awareness of environmental concerns in urban planning decisions. This development sets a precedent for integrating historical architecture with modern housing solutions in a thoughtful and forward-thinking manner.