Monday April 20th 2026
The new office and nursery plans would see the removal of a tree and grassed area and tree in Beveridge Square, Livingston an are which is largely occupied by light industrial units
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Stuart Sommerville
Plans to build new office space and extend a nursery in Livingston have been put on hold.
Confusion over reports submitted to the council and to the developer prompted an agreement with Councillor Tom Conn who asked for a month’s delay to sort out a dispute over paperwork.
Councillor Conn told the committee: “I would like to see something in black and white”.
The SNP’s Willie Boyle reminded councillors of a recent debate over nursery provision in the town and suggested the Development Management Committee make the decision at this month’s meeting, claiming that the issue needing addressed was whether the planned development would be unsuitable for the site and would remain so whatever paperwork was filed.
He failed to secure a seconder for his amendment.
Planners had recommended refusal of a plan by David Cowan to build a 396sqm building of 2 retail/office (Class 1A) and 1 nursery (Class 10) units on land at Beveridge Square, Livingston.
Planners said: “The scale, character and appearance of the proposed building would appear at odds/incongruent with the layout and design of the existing building and wider area.
“The development would result in over-development of the site, and have an overbearing impact in terms of the use of the adjacent nursery. A smaller development, for a nursery extension only, would be more appropriate on the site.”
However Mr Cowan pointed out that similar buildings already exist directly opposite the site he owns. He rejected the argument that the new building would constitute a “cramming effect”.
Jenny Fisher who owns the existing nursery on the site said the proposal would double the size of the nursery, opening up space to the dozens of parents she has had to turn away because the facility is at capacity.
Planning officers reiterated that they were happy to consider a standalone extension to the nursery.
Confusion over reports by Scottish Water and whether the new building would generate a flood risk prompted lengthy debate at the meeting.
Councillor Conn said: “We’re just blindly going in the dark with this one being asked to make a decision without seeing reports. I want to see something in black and white. We need some clarity.”
Councillor Harry Cartmill, chair of the DMC, said that was “very definite statement and well put.” The committee agreed to delay a decision until next month’s meeting.
Tweet Share on Facebook
