Campaigners’ joy as Deer Park hotel plan scrapped

Jul 2 2009 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

MEMBERS of a Livingston community have hailed as “fantastic news” the decision to scrap plans for a 98-bedroom hotel.

The move follows a public inquiry into the £6 million proposal, which would have entailed a development being built near Deer Park Golf and Country Club in Livingston.

The developers, Muir Group, had their plans rejected by West Lothian Council last year but appealed to the Scottish Government, stating refusal could put the country club’s future in doubt.

However, the original decision was upheld and the application rejected based on factors that included the loss of open space and insufficient parking.

Stuart Henderson, of Golf Course Road, led the campaign against the development and said he is delighted by the decision.

He said: “It’s fantastic news that the planning appeal to build a hotel at Deer Park Golf and Country Club was dismissed following the public inquiry.

“Many thanks to all those who supported the campaign, wrote objection letters, signed petitions and attended meetings.

“Without the support of the local community, there would undoubtedly be a hotel partially constructed on the golf course now.

“I would also like to thank all our local councillors who helped and supported the campaign throughout.”

Stuart’s praise for the decision was echoed by Councillor Bruce Ferrie, who was also involved with the campaign.

Councillor Ferrie said: “This is a good result for the Deer Park community.

“They stood up and in a united manner challenged Muir Associates over the development of a hotel in their ‘green space’.

“This is a clear indication that over-development or unnecessary development can be successfully challenged. I congratulate the community on their strength of purpose, determination and the partnership-working, which I experienced working with them as a local councillor.

“A special thanks for those who gave of their time to make their views public by writing or appearing at the recent local inquiry – well done.”

The government reporter’s conclusion stated that there were a number of reasons for rejecting the hotel plan.

The report read: “I conclude that the loss of allocated open space is unacceptable and that there is no adequate justification for the choice of site.

“The impact of the proposal upon residential and visual amenities in the locale is not acceptable. Inadequate provision has been made for the car-parking requirements likely to be generated by the proposal, including provision for vehicles displaced from the “overflow” car park, which is proposed to be developed.

“The proposal is not in accordance with the provisions of the development plan and there are no material considerations directing otherwise.”

However, the Muir Group says it is disappointed by the result of the inquiry and must now consider its next move.

Muir Group director, Ronnie Muir, said: “We believe Livingston desperately needs a quality hotel and that Deer Park, with its existing golf and country club, is the ideal location for this.

“We are surprised the reporter has turned our appeal down, particularly since local planners had recommended approval of the scheme.

“This now limits our scope to develop Deer Park and further compounds the difficulties faced by Livingston in ensuring it benefits from tourism trade.

“Generally this is not good news for the Livingston economy and is a missed opportunity for local job creation.

“We will determine shortly what our next course of action will be.”