Controversial plans for nursing home get green light

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Controversial plans for a 60 bed care home in Linlithgow Bridge have been passed after the developers rejigged designs to provide more parking spaces.The new plans were described as "the least worst option", with the plans facing objections over fears at the effect it will have on the surrounding roads network.Immediate neighbours in Broomyhill Place had protested that their quiet cul-de-sac was to be turned over to an exit road in the original proposals, and welcomed the redesign which will see entrance and exit on to Falkirk Road.However they remain unhappy that a public footpath/ cycleway will run through their grounds in the redrawn plans finally accepted by the Development Management Committee in Livingston today.And they continue to protest that the care home is too big for the site- something backed up by the town's Civic Trust- urging a more suitable site with more parking potential be found.Speaking on behalf of several neighbours and Broomyhill Place resident Jean McLeod maintained that the increase in parking spaces - to 22 from 14 - was still nowhere near enough to accommodate staff and visitors, especially at shift changeover times.She said the retention of a cycle path through Boomyhill place would bring pedestrians and cyclists within feet of the french doors of ground floor flats, many of which are occupied by retirees.

Promises of signage directing visitors and staff to other car parks would be ignored as parking is not enforced, she said."If it is accepted that a care home of this size is required it should be located where there is room for it without making an impact on people's lives," she added, quoting another neighbour Duncan Galley.Mike Dunning for the Civic Trust said: "This building is too big