Hotel group fights rejection

DEVELOPERS behind plans for an ambitious hotel development next to Livingston's Deer Park Golf and Country Club are to appeal a decision to refuse planning permission.

West Lothian Council's planning committee threw out the proposals for a 93-bedroom hotel with associated access roads and car parking earlier this year.

There were more than 150 objections to the scheme from the public, although the council also received 87 letters of support. Officials had recommended that the plans be approved, but concerns over the impact on the local environment, and fears about traffic congestion and road safety, led to the councillors' "no" decision.

Developer Muir Leisure has now lodged an appeal against this decision with the Scottish Government, and requested that it be dealt with by a reporter on the basis of written submissions and a site visit.