Planning - policies

Supplementary Planning Guidance  

CONSULTATION ON SUPPLEMENTRY PLANNING GUIDANCE

New Residential Development Guide - consultation closed 31 December 2011

Submissions are now being considered and a report is to be made to the Council Executive in the spring. An update will be posted here in due course.

To view the document, simply click on the link below.

INTERIM SUPPLEMENTARY PLANNING GUIDANCE

Assessment of wind turbine noise

This advice note, which is interim guidance that has not been approved by the council,  provides guidance for applicants on the noise information required to allow a full assessment of the potential noise impacts of individual wind turbines. It also considers the appropriate methodology and criteria to determine turbine noise impacts at noise sensitive receptors.

APPROVED SPG PLANNING POLICIES

These are Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) documents the council has produced to help our customers produce developments to accord with our best practice and policy guidance.

It should be noted that where developer contribution guidance is listed below that this may be non exhaustive in terms of the contributions any developer may be required to make towards any proposed development.

It is therefore advised that contact should be made with a planning officer in either Development Management or Development Planning to seek up-to-date guidance on required contributions by telephone or e-mail:

Development Management: duty phone 01506 282456 or e-mail planning@westlothian.gov.uk

Development Planning: duty phone 01506 282457 or email LocalPlan@westlothian.gov.uk

WEST LOTHIAN RETAIL CAPACITY STUDY 2008

West Lothian Retail Capacity Study (WLRCS) was commissioned in June 2008. The purpose of the study was to consider convenience shopping provision and make recommendations on the adequacy of retail floorspace provided within West Lothian in relation to current and projected available expenditure. The study also examined the core development areas identified within the West Lothian Local Plan (as amended November 2008) and reported on their suitability to accommodate convenience retail development to serve these areas.

DEVELOPER CONTRIBUTION POLICIES

West Lothian Council has put in place supplementary planning guidance (SPG) to support the implementation of the adopted West Lothian Local Plan. The SPG provide guidance on developer contribution requirements and/or identify principles that will be adopted by the council in working up strategies for the provision of new infrastructure and/or facilities. SPG will be a material consideration in the determination of planning applications. The SPG will be kept under review by the council. Further SPG will be prepared in due course. A summary of each developer contribution policy is described below, but you will find a more detailed guidance on each of these policies in the downloadable documents section on this page. Should you require copies of the minutes from the meetings when the guidance was approved, please contact Steve McLucas on 01506 282425 or by email steve.mclucas@westlothian.gov.uk

SUMMARY OF DEVELOPER CONTRIBUTION POLICIES

Review of development contributions January 2012

The council has recognised the serious nature of the credit crunch and the impact it has had on development activity in West Lothian and has introduced a number of initiatives to encourage house building and promote economic growth. The council has forward funded school extensions, agreed interim infrastructure solutions to reduce initial capital costs, allowed developers to phase developer contributions, suspended the requirement for some developer contributions and set up a West Lothian Local Infrastructure Fund. Despite these initiatives, development activity levels remain low compared with the years leading up to the credit crunch.

It is anticipated that it will take several years to return to pre-credit crunch levels of development activity.

Nevertheless, it is considered that reviewing contribution levels may assist with speeding up recovery. Whilst some contributions will remain essential and non-negotiable, there is scope to relax others without compromising the overall development strategy or causing financial difficulties for the council.

At the West Lothian Council Executive meeting of 10 January 2012, therefore the Executive:

1) agreed to suspend the requirement for travel plan co-ordinator contributions until 9 January 2014;

2) agreed to reduce the level of contributions for public art until 9 January 2014 and to the introduction of a further reduction or exemption from this contribution, if the applicant can demonstrate that the contribution would result in the proposed development not being financially viable (Please note the revised rates are set out in the report on pages 4 & 5);

Interim changes to Supplementary Planning Guidance Nov 08

The council has undertaken to monitor all SPG and bring forward proposed changes where circumstances have changed. This report approves changes to the following approved SPG on 25 November 2008. It should be noted that the since then, the council approved an amended denominational secondary policy on 29 June 2010:

1. Denominational Secondary School (approved May 2005).

2. Armadale Academy (approved December 2005).

3. Travel Co-ordinator (approved December 2007).

4. Professional Services (approved May 2007).

Affordable housing

This SPG, approved on 20 June 2006, applies to all residential development of five or more houses or flats. The policy requires serviced land for affordable housing (15% of the capacity of the site) to be transferred for affordable housing provision. In the case of sites of less than 20 units, 15% of the value of the site for housing must be provided to the council in the form of commuted sums In both cases affordable housing provision will require to be provided through a section 69 or 75 legal agreement.

Developers of residential development sites will be required to transfer land capable of delivering 15% of the total site capacity in housing units as affordable housing to the local authority, a registered social landlord or social housing provider who is nominated, or otherwise agreed, by the council. The land will be transferred at a value that minimises any impact on the availability of funding for the provision of affordable housing. All land transferred should benefit from an appropriate planning permission and should be free of any infrastructure burdens which would apply to dwellings subsequently constructed on the site. The developer will be required, where necessary, to work with the RSL, or social housing provider, to minimise any funding gap in the provision of the affordable housing element of the development.  

In addition to the 15% contribution for socially rented housing, developments within structure plan core development areas will be expected to make an additional affordable housing contribution equating to a minimum of 10% fully complete affordable houses. These units can be entry level houses for sale by the developer (housing without subsidy), shared equity houses or any other form of provision conforming to the categories of affordable housing identified in Planning Advice Note 74 Affordable Housing.

Planning for education

The SPG approved on 25 November 2008, sets out the policy context within which planning applications must be considered in terms of education contributions and school capacities. It explains the type of information that will be provided by Education Services when consulted on planning applications and sets out the methodology for producing school roll projections.

The guidance sets out the general approach which is taken by the council when considering applications for housing and impacts this can have on education capacity issues.

Denominational secondary education infrastructure

West Lothian Council adopted the West Lothian Local Plan on 13 January 2009. The plan proposes major housing growth, and as a consequence, a number of new schools and school extensions are required to support the local plan strategy.

St Kentigern's AcademyThe purpose of this SPG, that was approved by the Council Executive on 29 June 2010 and supersedes previously approved RC Secondary contributions SPG, is to set out details of education infrastructure projects with the denominational sector which will be required to support the implementation of the plan and to provide updated guidance on developer contributions.

The SPG replaces the SPG introduced in May 2005 for developer contributions towards the provision of a new build denominational secondary school.

The SPG applies to all residential developments and the contribution rate per residential unit is £1983 based on first quarter 2010 prices.

  • Supplementary planning guidance: Denominational secondary education infrastructure

Replacement Armadale Academy

This SPG was approved on 6 December 2005 and is in the process of being updated. Changes to the policy approved on 25 November 2008 meant that it now applies to all housing within the catchment area of Armadale Academy. The SPG sets out developer contribution levels for houses and flats to be built within the catchment area. A contribution of £1653 per house and £620 per flat is required from developers within the catchment area. These contribution levels will require to be Index linked to the Retail Price Index from the first quarter 2005. The funds collected will be used to help fund the replacement of Armadale

Eastertoun Primary SchoolArmadale Primary Schools

At the Council Executive of 22 March 2011, the council approved this developer contribution supplementary planning guidance for Armadale catchment primary schools in both the denominational and non denominational sectors.

The purpose of this SPG is to set out details of education infrastructure projects which will be required to support the implementation of the West Lothian Local Plan strategy and to provide guidance on developer contributions. The SPG makes it clear that major developer contributions will be necessary to fund the education infrastructure which is required to support the local plan strategy. The proposed contribution rate for denominational primary school provision is £2,971 per residential unit based on first quarter 2010 prices. This is slightly lower than the £3,107 rate quoted in the draft SPG. The proposed contribution rate for nondenominational primary school provision is £6,774 based on first quarter 2010 prices. This is slightly lower than the £6,943 rate quoted in the draft SPG. The exemptions which are set out in paragraph 5.1 of the SPG are similar to the exemptions which are included in the approved SPG for denominational secondary school infrastructure.

Whitburn Academy SPG

This developer contribution policy was approved on 8 February 2011 to extend Whitburn Academy. The SPG sets out developer contribution levels for houses and flats to be built within the catchment area. A contribution of £1721 per unit is required from developers within the catchment area. Actual payments will be index linked to the increases indicated in the RICS Building Cost Information Tender Price Index using first quarter 2010 as the base date.This SPG will be taken into account in the determination of all planning applications for housing within the existing catchment area of Whitburn Academy. For the avoidance of doubt, the SPG will apply to all planning applications submitted after 16 June 2008 when the council decided that developer contributions for Whitburn Academy would be necessary if further housing in the catchment area was to be supported.

Denominational primary schools

This SPG was approved by the council on 20 June 2006. It applies to all residential developments within the catchment areas of St Nicholas Primary School (Broxburn), St Paul's Primary School (East Calder) and Holy Family Primary School (Winchburgh). Developer contributions levels, if necessary, will be assessed on a case by case basis.

School commissioning costs

This updated SPG was approved on 29 January 2008. It sets out developer contribution requirements for the commissioning costs associated with new schools and school extensions. Contributions are limited to those necessary to deliver a turn-key project and make the school building/campus operational.

Co-location principles

This SPG was approved on 20 June 2006. This document sets out the principles which will be adopted in working up a co-location strategy for the provision of new community and cultural facilities in the Core Development Areas identified in the Finalised West Lothian Local Plan 2005. Three models of provision are identified - (1) partnership centre model, (2) primary school model, (3) secondary school model.

Developer contributions for a southern park and ride facility at the proposed Armadale Station

On 29 June 2009, the Council Executive approved SPG that requires developers within the Core Development Areas in Armadale to provide developer contributions to provide a southern park and ride facility at the proposed Armadale Station for 150 cars, on the south side of the railway line at the proposed Armadale Station. Developers should note that they will be required to contribute £350 for each residential unit in the Armadale CDA, which is more than 800 metres walking distance from the railway station. This contribution is to fund the construction of 90 spaces in the southern park and ride facility. Full details of the guidance can be viewed in the attached documentation below:

Developer contributions for proposed Blackridge Railway Station

On 23 November 2010, the Council Executive approved this developer contribution policy. It applies to all new housing developments in Blackridge and within the vicinity of Blackridge (a map has been prepared which defines the precise geographical area, see Appendix 1 of the SPG) to help deliver a railway station within Blackridge. Contributions will be required at a rate of £2,640 per residential unit (plus indexation from April 2010 based on the Building Tender Price Index) towards the costs associated with the delivery of the new railway station.

Developer contributions for a replacement Armadale Library

This SPG was approved on 22 December 2009. It applies to all new houses to be built in the Armadale Core Development Area (CDA).  The SPG explains the reason for the need for developer contributions and also explains how the amount is calculated. It makes clear that the contribution is only to meet the needs of the extra population that will arise from the new CDA houses. Pro rata funding for the existing population's requirements has been made by the council. The result is that a contribution of £133 per residential unit (house or flat), for all housing developments in the Armadale CDA, is required from the developer in order to contribute towards the cost of a replacement Armadale Library. These contribution levels will be required to be index linked to the RICS tender price index from the 4th quarter 2009.

A71 Corridor Study - bus priority measures

This SPG, approved on 20 June 2006, applies only to developers at Calderwood and West Livingston/Mossend Core Development Areas as identified in the local plan. The contributions required are towards infrastructure on the A71 to implement bus priority measures identified in the A71 corridor study.

A801 dualling

This SPG was originally approved in June 2006. Updated guidance has been approved by the Council Executive on 17 August 2010. It requires developers, where applicable within the area defined in the plan accompanying the guidance, to make contributions to be identified through Transport Assessments (TA) or Transport Statements (TS), for the upgrading of the A801 between Junction 4 of the M8 motorway to the Pottishaw Roundabout. Development that do not require a TA or TS are exempt.

The contribution would only be sought from the following types of development within the catchment area: residential; business (Use Class 4); industrial (Use Class 5); and storage and distribution (Use Class 6).

Travel plan co-ordinator

Following the approval on 11 December 2007, the Council Executive on  25 November 2008 resolved to agree to suspend the  seeking  of contributions for a two year period. The need for developers to submit travel plans to support for their planning applications remains the council will continue to explore with developers innovative way in which a travel co-ordination service should be delivered, which could involve developers carrying out their own monitoring and submitting the results to the council.

The Windvane Family, LivingstonContributions to public art

This supplementary planning guidance was approved on 20 June 2006 and amended on 21 November 2006 and 19 August 2008.

Developers of larger housing and retail schemes, and certain other significant developments are required to provide public art initiatives, or funding towards such schemes, as part of their development in order to enhance the new environments being created.

For details of the specific rates required, please refer to the supplementary planning guidance document directly.

CDA developer contributions for towns and village centre improvements

The updated SPG was approved on 12 June 2007. Contributions are required from developers who are building new residential areas planned for Armadale, Livingston and Almond Valley and Winchburgh/East Broxburn/Uphall. The contributions will help create additional facilities and improve the appearance of existing town and village centres close to where the major housing growth is taking place.

This SPG applies to any development within the areas identified as Core Development Areas (CDA's) in the local plan. Developers have a choice of implementing an agreed programme of works or making a financial contribution to the council. £250 per unit is identified as a guideline.

Cemetery provision

An updated SPG was approved on 19 May 2009. Developers are required to make contributions towards new cemetery provision in West Lothian. A contribution of £35 per house/flat will be required.

Partnerhip approach to deliver infrastructure

This guidance was approved on 2 May 2006 and seeks contributions from developers to recover the costs for professional services undertaken by the council on major projects. It is anticipated that significant resources will be required to fund the full range of services within the council to support the implementation of the development plan. Contribution levels will be worked out on a case by case basis given the need to relate any contribution in scale and kind to the proposed development.

OTHER SUPPLEMENTARY PLANNING GUIDANCE

Construction training and local employment agreements

This guidance was approved on 23 December 2009. The supplementary planning guidance encourages developers of major schemes in West Lothian to enter into Local Employment Agreements (LEA) with the council. These agreements would set out how the developer intends to make training opportunities available to local people and make available entry-level employment opportunities for disadvantaged priority groups e.g. long-term unemployed, single parents, incapacity benefit claimants, young people, minority groups. Developers will not be compelled to comply with the SPG but will be strongly encouraged to bring forward proposals which are aimed at promoting training and entry level employment opportunities on a voluntary basis.

West Lothian flood risk and drainage

This guidance was adopted by the council on 8 April 2008. It sets out the requirements for the preparation and submission of Drainage Assessments and Flood Risk Assessments that will be required to accompany planning application submissions as well as referring to requirements for Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDs) within the West Lothian Council area including the requirements of SW, SEPA and SNH.

SUDS for roads

The purpose of the document, attached below, is to guide the reader through the design of roads incorporating SUDS that are suitable as best practice at reasonable cost. Early in 2008 the SUDS Scottish Working Party, guided by practitioners, took ownership of this disconnect and, from then on, a committed group of professionals, from a variety of industry stakeholders have worked collaboratively to resolve this issue. This document, commissioned and guided by SCOTS and SUDS Working Party, is the result of careful partnership working between a range of public and private sector organisations including the Scottish Government, Scottish Water, Scottish Enterprise, Homes for Scotland, University of Abertay Dundee and Transport Scotland. The document is supported by robust research, and evidence gathering, and provides a guide for all professionals involved in the road design process. It is anticipated the primary readership of SUDS for Roads will be Local Authorities and Private Developers however the principles contained herein apply equally to designers in other disciplines such as Architecture and Landscaping.

Health impact assessments

This guidance was adopted by the council on 19 August 2008 on the requirement to prepare Health Impact Assessments to support development plans and planning applications. HIAs are designed to check whether a proposal might reinforce health inequalities, or inadvertently damage people's health and well being in its widest sense. The supplementary planning guidance will improve the way that health impact of new new development is assessed. In particular, it will provide a good basis for developers to understand what will be required from them within West Lothian in regard to the submission of Health Impact Assessments and when such an assessment is likely to be required to be submitted.

New development in the countryside

This updated SPG was approved on 20 May 2008. It updates, supplements and brings together in one place a themed collection of individual SPG's and is specifically intended to amplify and consolidate the development plan policies  relative to new development in the countryside of West Lothian.
It also provides particularly strong design guidance with the aim of improving the design and quality of all new development in rural areas.

The lowland crofting handbook

This guidance was approved by the council on 20 May 2008. It supersedes a previous publication of the same name which was originally produced by the former West Lothian District Council in the early 1990's. As the title suggests, it focuses quite specifically on lowland crofting, an initiative designed with the purpose of  improving bleak and desolate landscapes, bolstering natural heritage, reviving the rural economy and harnessing the demand for rural living in a defined area west of Bathgate and Livingston.

The Handbook divides conveniently into three parts, each designed with a particular audience in mind, i.e, farmers and landowners, architects, designers and land agents and prospective crofters / householders.

Single plot and small scale infill residential development in urban areas

This SPG was approved on 22 April 2008. It supersedes previous guidance entitled How to avoid town cramming, and is specifically related to single plot and small-scale infill residential development in urban areas not exceeding 10 units.

It is intended to amplify policies HOU2 and HOU 4 of the local plan which support infill development, subject to specific provisos.

The guidance seeks to ensure a consistent application of the policy and contains practical information for anyone contemplating these types of development. It is regarded as being central to ensuring that only appropriate development is permitted.

Planning and noise

The aim of this supplementary planning guidance, that was a approved by the council on 29 August 2006, is to provide developers with information on dealing with the planning process where new noise sensitive developments are planned near to existing noise sources and where potentially noisy developments are introduced into existing noise sensitive areas. This guidance takes into account current policy in relation to planning and noise and provides guidance on undertaking noise assessments which may be required for any potential development in determining planning applications.

Development on contaminated land

On 29 September 2009, the council approved supplementary planning guidance entitled Development on Contaminated Land. The guidance sets out what is required from developers during the planning process when contamination of land is suspected. This includes the stages of site investigation and risk assessment which are needed to determine the nature of the contamination; and the standard of remediation which is required to ensure the land is suitable for the intended use.

Controlling light pollution (and reducing lighting energy consumption)

This guidance was approved on 29 September 2009 and addresses two important environmental factors, namely nuisance light and energy usage. Specifically, it seeks to encourage developers, architects and lighting designers to provide non obtrusive and energy efficient lighting designs when preparing proposals for any development which incorporates an element of out of doors artificial lighting. It relates to all exterior lighting situations regardless of the location of the lighting project or whether it is a stand alone project or part of an overall development. Potential developments and lighting situations include, but are not limited to:

  • Industrial developments
  • Retail developments
  • Housing development
  • Transport interchanges
  • Roads and footpaths (either stand alone or as part of an overall development)
  • Exterior sports grounds and arenas
  • Feature lighting for civic enhancement
  • Illuminated advertisements
  • Replacement of existing lighting installations
  • Supplementary planning guidance: Controlling light pollution (700KB)

Redevelopment of redundant poultry sheds and intensive livestock rearing units

The purpose of this supplementary planning guidance, which was approved by the council on 23 January 2007, is to set out and explain the
council's policy with particular regard to the redevelopment of industrial scale poultry and intensive livestock rearing units which have ceased to be required for their original purpose. The document provides guidance on how proposals of this nature may be accommodated in a way which secures the rehabilitation of sites without creating an unacceptable impact on the countryside of West Lothian.

Armadale Public Realm Design Guide
 
This document was approved by the council on 29 September 2009. The council are seeking to promote and facilitate urban regeneration and investment in the districts town centres and is developing with local stakeholders and community interests public realm strategies for physical improvement.

A study of Armadale Town Centre has been completed that includes an assessment of the potential for improvements in the town that will help to support the growth of the town, support centre vitality, increase the opportunity for town centre retailers and enhance place quality. The intent has been to establish through consultation, a clear vision and strategy for the public realm addressing Armadale Town Centre and Bathville Cross and from this to develop a project based strategy and design framework that supports local plan and locality planning. The Public Realm Design Framework will establish a clear framework for public realm investment and will be promoted within the Council as Supplementary Planning Guidance.

Bathgate Public Realm Design Guide
 
This document was approved by the council on 13 January 2009. The report has been developed and approved to provide consistent improvement in the quality of Bathgate Town Centre's townscape and public realm. It consists of design guidelines to inform development proposals and development control decision-making, a design framework integrating various short to long-term strategy proposals, and guidance on the delivery and prioritisation of these proposals.

Whitburn Public Realm Design Guide
 
This document was approved by the council on 10 November 2009. The council are seeking to promote and facilitate urban regeneration and investment in the districts town centres and is developing with local stakeholders and community interests public realm strategies for physical improvement.

A study of Whitburn Town Centre has been completed that includes an assessment of the potential for improvements in the town that will help to support the growth of the town, support centre vitality, increase the opportunity for town centre retailers and enhance place quality. The intention has been to establish through consultation, a clear vision and strategy for the public realm in Whitburn Town Centre and from this to develop a project based strategy and design framework that supports local plan and locality planning. The Public Realm Design Framework establishes a clear framework for public realm investment and will be promoted within the Council as Supplementary Planning Guidance.

Broxburn and Uphall Public Realm Design Guide

This document was approved by the council on 22 December 2009. The council are seeking to promote and facilitate urban regeneration and investment in the districts town centres and is developing with local stakeholders and community interests public realm strategies for physical improvement.

A study of Broxburn and Uphall town centre areas has been completed that includes an assessment of the potential for improvements in the towns that will help to support growth, support town centre vitality, increase the opportunity for town centre retailers and enhance place quality. The intention has been to establish through consultation, a clear vision and strategy for the public realm in Broxburn and Uphall town centres and from this to develop a project based strategy and design framework that supports local plan and locality planning.  The Public Realm Design Framework establishes a clear framework for public realm investment and will be promoted within the Council as Supplementary Planning Guidance.

Replacement windows in conservation areas

Approved in July 1998, this policy provides guidance to ensure that the replacement and repair of windows within listed buildings and/or within conservation areas are carefully undertaken in order that the character of the building and/or the character of the conservation area is preserved or enhanced.

Advertisement control in Linlithgow Palace and High Street, Mid Calder and Torphichen conservation areas

This policy, which was approved in July 1998, provides guidance on appropriate design for advertisements within these three conservation areas to ensure there is a satisfactory balance between the need to preserve and enhance the character of these three conservation areas and the requirement for commercial premises sites within each of them to advertise.

Residential development guide 2002

This guide, approved in 2002 is to be updated and replaced in late 2010. It sets out advice and guidance on the development standards that the applicants will be expected to meet in planning application submissions for medium to large scale residential developments in urban areas within West Lothian.

House extension and alteration design guide

Approved in 2003, this guidance provides useful information for householders in helping to determine an appropriate design for the type of extension they wish to develop for their house.

Areas of special control: the shale miners rows 1994

Approved in 1994, this guidance is specifically targeted to those householders wishing to extend or alter their property within special designated areas in West Lothian known as Areas of Special Control. These areas were designated to afford a level of protection to these most distinctive houses that are part of West Lothian's industrial heritage and are locally known as rows. Rows can be found in Winchburgh, South Village in Pumpherston, Dedridge Cottages in Livingston, Oakbank Cottages near West Calder and Roman Camp near Broxburn.

Class 3 restaurant uses and hot food takeaways

Approved in July 1998, this guidance has been designed to specifically identify areas or circumstances where class 3 uses and hot food takeaways may or may not be acceptable.

Changes of use to offices in Linlithgow High Street

Approved in April 1984, this policy seeks to ensure that, within the heart of the town centre of Linlithgow that where units have a frontage with the High Street, office use (and other uses) will be restricted from taking place, in order that vitality of the town centre is maintained with retail and other appropriate commercial uses. The council has now included a similar policy protecting Linlithgow's town centre in the adopted West Lothian Local Plan 2009.


Controlling the extraction of oil shale bings in West Lothian

Approved in July 1998, this policy, in summary, relates to the issue of extraction from the oil shale bings within West Lothian, which are remnants from West Lothian's past oil shale industry. There remains a demand for shale in the bings, particularly from the construction industry. The nature of demand is cyclical, with high levels of demand for shale often being associated with particularly large construction projects. The larger the number of bings being worked at any one time, the slower the overall rate of removal of these areas. Extraction should therefore be controlled to allow a limited number of bings to be worked at any one particular time.

The policy also covers the extraction from shale bings being based on the need to remove already partially worked bings first and to restrict extraction from intact bings.

Policy guidelines for the determination of radio telecommunications planning applications

In July 2001 the council approved policy guidelines which provide guidance and advice to telecoms operators on where such developments will be considered acceptable and unacceptable and in terms of design to ensure an appropriate balance between the legitimate economic need for telecommunications coverage within West Lothian and the environmental impacts that such developments can have.

The control of amateur radio antennae and satellite dish receivers

Approved in July 1998, these guidelines provide guidance to prospective applicants wishing to install amateur radio antenna and satellite dish receivers.

Control of security screening on commercial properties

Approved in July 1998, this supplementary planning guidance provides applicants wishing to install security screening on commercial properties with appropriate guidance to ensure the design of such screening is appropriate where screening is considered necessary. The guidance includes specific sections relative to conservation areas and main shopping streets within West Lothian.

Mobile snack bars

This supplementary planning guidance was approved in 1998 and gives prospective applicants advice and explains what the council will consider when assessing such applications, for example, appropriate locations, signage, amenity and litter bins.

Mud on roads

Approved in June 2003, this guidance provides information on developers to minimise the possibility of mud pollution into roads from the sites they are developing in the interests of highways safety.

Tipping of builders' material

Approved in August 2002, this guidance provides developers with advice on their responsibilities in terms of disposing of waste material relative to their development site.

Guidance concerning the erection of pigeon lofts

This guidance was approved by the council in August 2003 and provides potential applicants with advice on whether their proposals will require planning permission and where permission is required, will ensure that lofts are designed and located in a manner that fits into the surrounding area with the minimum of impact on residential amenity.

Delivering the next round of major housing developments in West Lothian. A guide to development September 2003

The purpose of this guidance is to provide developers with advice on the delivery of large scale development allocations within West Lothian, to ensure development is high quality and well integrated and sustainable.

Control of advertisement hoardings

This guidance, approved in July 1998, provides guidance to hoarding developers on the issues of amenity and public safety that the council will consider as part of the assessment of any advertisement consent application. It also provides guidance on the few locations where hoardings are likely to be acceptable.

Policy for the management and after use of soils on development sites

Approved in May 2006, this guidance provides developers with best practice advice on how to ensure they do not misuse and poorly manage soils on development sites. It sets out a procedure for soil management, which will require either the submission of a soil sustainability plan with a planning application, or allow for appropriate conditions to be imposed on planning permissions.


Provision for Digital Ducting within new development

The Council Executive approved this advisory SPG at the Council Executive on 13 April 2010. The Digital Britain report, published in June 2009, has set the strategic vision for ensuring that the UK is the leading economy at the cutting edge of the global digital economy. West Lothian must now look to capitalise on every opportunity to develop and foster West Lothian as a digital hub to take advantage of the economic growth potential of the digital economy.

Digital ducting is the physical infrastructure underground that can carry the fibre optic and other cables associated with digital technologies, including data services that can site alongside traditional infrastructures such as telephone and electricity. Opportunities exist at the early stages of planning developments for developers to consider and/or ensure that the potential for installing the ducting to support services is factored into the infrastructure considerations for these developments to support emerging and future digital technology infrastructure.

 

Updated 13/12/11

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