Sustainability of Location
There are a number of local services and amenities located within the observed 1,600m walking distance threshold as set out in Planning Advice Note 75: Planning for Transport, Annex B, paragraph B13. This includes:
- West Calder local centre is located around 770m (10 minutes) walk from the centre of the site. Local shops and amenities are located within this local centre.
- A health centre is located within West Calder, around 1,450m (less than 20 minutes) walk from the site.
- Bus services are located along the A71, accessible from West Calder local centre, providing public transport access to Livingston town centre.
- West Calder railway station is located within 1,150m (15 minutes) walk from the centre of the site. A park and ride facility is proposed at this station in the LDP, making rail travel a viable choice for commuters.
- Parkhead Primary School is located around a 1,200m (15 minutes) walk from the centre of the site.
- West Calder High School is located around a 1,500m (less than 20 minutes) walk from the centre of the site.
Most of the site lies within the catchments of Parkhead PS (nondenominational) and St Mary’s PS (denominational) with the western part of the site within the catchments of Addiewell PS (non-denominational) and St Thomas’ PS (denominational). For secondary schooling the site lies within the catchments of West Calder HS (non-denominational) and St Kentigern’s Academy (denominational). School impact assessment will be undertaken to assess school capacity.
The proximity of local services mean that the site is in a very sustainable location. Development of the site presents an opportunity to provide new homes within an area that contributes to creating a successful ‘20 minute neighbourhood’ in line with the aspirations set out by the Scottish Government.
