NATIONAL FRAMEWORK 4 : CALL FOR IDEAS AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS

HEARTLANDS DEVELOPMENT SITE, WHITBURNSTRATEGIC TRANSPORT HUB OF NATIONAL IMPORTANCE

Introduction

This representation concerns the Heartlands development site at Whitburn, West Lothian (seeAppendix 1 for site location and site context plans) and is submitted on behalf of our client GreenTown (Heartlands) Limited in response to the invitation to submit a representation to the NationalPlanning Framework 4 Call for Ideas and National Developments.

In all regards this representation seeks the designation of the Heartlands site as a NationalDevelopment site in NPF4 principally in relation to the establishment of a Strategic Transport Hub/ Public Transport Interchange of National Importance on the Heartlands development site.

The Heartlands development site is located on lands of the former Polkemmet Colliery, to the southof the M8 motorway, to the west of Whitburn and north of Fauldhouse. The site is strategicallylocated almost centrally between Glasgow and Edinburgh, being only 37km from Glasgow and 34kmfrom Edinburgh. Importantly in terms of the establishment of a strategic transport hub it should benoted upfront that the core infrastructure delivered to date on the Heartlands site includes aprivately funded full diamond interchange motorway junction to the M8 motorway.

In all regards the extensive decontamination, remediation, reclamation and subsequent re-use ofthe former Colliery land at Heartlands which has and continues to take place is strongly supportedby all aspects and levels of planning policy including National Planning Policy in the form of theScottish Government document ‘Scottish Planning Policy’, where there is strong support for thedevelopment of brownfield sites. This redevelopment of the former Polkemmet Colliery site has alsobeen strongly supported by West Lothian Council, where through the approval of various planningconsents it has been demonstrated that there is support for this large scale reclamation of theformer Colliery site. In addition to this the previous West Lothian Local Plan stated that “the Councilfully supports the development initiative at Polkemmet, known as Heartlands, which representsthe largest ever private sector investment in West Lothian”. This support continues into thecurrent Local Development Plan.

In this regard the remediation works alone have cost around £120 million with the previous WestLothian Local Plan stating that the Heartlands proposals involve “one of the most problematiccontaminated and derelict sites in Scotland” and the Council have stated in previous local planconsultations that the redevelopment of this land is thought to be the best means of securing therehabilitation of the largest remaining area of dereliction in West Lothian.

At present planning consents in relation to the Heartlands site allow for :

2,000 residential units (including affordable housing); 140,000m2 business park; 5,561m2 class 1 retail space; two PGA designed Championship Golf Courses; golf related hotel; health and leisure facilities; dedicated motorway junction;

transport interchange (including park-and-ride facility); neighbourhood centre; and improved educational facilities.

The above can be illustrated by reference to the latest Global Schematic Masterplan for the site (seeAppendix 2).

It is considered of significance to this representation to note that development on the Heartlandssite is progressing well with the M8 motorway junction and business park infrastructure (next to themotorway junction) complete and 457 residential dwellings built and occupied on the site.

As previously stated this submission relates to the designation of the Heartlands site as a NationalDevelopment site principally in relation to the establishment of a Strategic Transport Hub / PublicTransport Interchange of National Importance.

In this regard the requirement for a Public Transport Interchange (including park-and-ride facility)forms part of the Planning Permission in Principle for the site, is included in the Section 75 legalagreement for the site and is designated on the Heartlands Development Site in the adopted WestLothian Local Plan (see Appendix 4).

With this in mind and given the key strategic location of the Heartlands site, in order to ensurethat the Heartlands Strategic Transport Hub / Public Transport Interchange provided if fit forpurposes, commercial, user friendly, future proofed and in line with the ongoing need to reducereliance on carbon Green Town (Heartlands) Limited have established a working group toformulate ideas. This working group current involves West Lothian Council, Whitburn CommunityCouncil, several of the key bus operators, Green Town (Heartlands) and their consultant team.

It is important to note that feedback from this working group has been extremely positive withseveral key bus operators keen to be involved and recognising the key strategic location of theHeartlands site.

In all regards it should be noted that Green Town (Heartlands) are committed to delivering anexcellent, commercial functioning public transport interchange and a detailed planning applicationwill follow for this in due course.

Notwithstanding this the enclosed plan (see Appendix 3) prepared by Green Town (Heartlands)traffic consultant, Dougall Baillie Associates, illustrates a general idea of the location and contentof the Heartlands Strategic Transport Hub / Public Transport Interchange. It should be noted thatthis indicative plan (No. 20080-SK-01) has been discussed by the aforementioned working group.

With regard to the designation of a site as a National Development the background information onNPF4 and the guidance notes provided clearly state the following :

“National Development Assessment Criteria

We will analyse all proposals for national development status in relation to the following criteria:

Climate Change : The development will help to reduce emissions, contributing to Scotland’starget of net zero emissions by 2045, will be emissions neutral, or emissions negative.

People : The development will support the health, wellbeing, sustainability, and quality of life ofour current and future population.

Inclusive Growth : The development will contribute to sustainable economic growth that helps toreduce poverty and inequality across Scotland.

Place : The development will protect or enhance the quality of a place or improve biodiversity.”

A number of questions are posed throughout the National Framework 4 – Call for Ideas supportingdocumentation which overlap with the National Development assessment criteria and as such thissection of the representation comments on those questions which are relevant and applicable to thesite at Heartlands.

1. What development will we need to address climate change?

It is submitted that National Planning Framework 4 should recognise the potential of Heartlands toassist in the delivery of a proactive response to climate change. The designation of a NationalDevelopment in the form of a Strategic Transport Hub / Public Transport Interchange of NationalImportance on the Heartlands site would contribute to a substantial and significant reduction in thenumber of people commuting via private car between Glasgow, Edinburgh and the surroundingareas. The reduction in car use will assist the Government in reaching their target of net zeroemissions by 2045. The Heartlands Strategic Transport Hub / Public Transport Interchange wouldinclude a substantial Park-and-Ride facility, would tackle congestion problems and provide analternative and more sustainable travel option for travellers to Edinburgh, Glasgow and thesurrounding area.

In all regards the Heartlands Strategic Transport Hub / Public Transport Interchange would assist inproviding jobs within the area and supporting the local economy. It is submitted that this facility andindeed the wider Heartlands development is capable of :

Contributing to a reduction in emissions on the M8 corridor

Facilitating job creation, reducing unemployment

Improving transport and infrastructure networks

Adapting to or contribute to mitigating the effects of climate change

Given the aforementioned it is submitted that the Heartlands site should be recognised as aNational Development within the emerging National Planning Framework 4 principally in relationto the establishment of a Strategic Transport Hub of National Importance as the site is adaptable,resilient and capable of meeting the previously outlined National Development AssessmentCriteria in relation to Climate Change. As outlined above, the development of Heartlands iscapable of assisting in the reaching the target of net zero emissions by 2045 and can supportinclusive, sustainable economic growth through the delivery of this Strategic and SustainableTransport Hub / Public Transport Interchange of National Importance.

2. How can planning best support our quality of life, health and wellbeing in the future?

In response to the climate emergency it is a widely stated aim that by 2050 our society should seekto have a significant reduction on the reliance on private cars. In order to do this, the ScottishGovernment must support and encourage the delivery of infrastructure which seeks to promote areduction in car usage. The Heartlands Development Site is strategically located almost equidistant

between Edinburgh and Glasgow; the introduction of a Strategic Transport Hub / Public TransportInterchange of National Importance in this location will help to encourage the expansion of theHeartlands Development, making the area more attractive to prospective developers. It is submittedthat the Strategic Transport Hub / Public Transport Interchange of National Significance would makeexisting and future development around the Heartlands area more inclusive; households without carownership would be attracted to relocate to the area due to the presence of this sustainabletransport infrastructure. It would also encourage a reduction in car usage within the existing localpopulation as they would have access to the transport hub / public transport interchange, but alsoon the M8 motorway corridor.

Furthermore, as outlined previously in this representation current consents on the Heartlands siteallow for (amongst a wide range of other uses) a 140,000m2 business park. It is submitted that theintroduction of this Strategic Transport Hub / Public Transport Interchange at this location will createan attractive and accessible environment and encourage new businesses to the area, stimulatingeconomic growth.

In all regards, in response to the climate emergency, sustainable strategic infrastructuralenhancements are required throughout Scotland to encourage and stimulate a reduction in carusage within the country, which in turn helps to establish a better quality and more sustainableplace to the benefit of the existing and future population.

The Heartlands Development Site should be recognised as a National Development within theemerging National Planning Framework 4 principally in relation to the establishment of a StrategicTransport Hub / Public Transport Interchange of National Importance as it can help stimulatesustainable infrastructural development and is expected to encourage a significant reduction incar usage. It is submitted that this will help to support improved quality of life, health andwellbeing in the area, and would improve the future of the Heartlands redevelopment for bothexisting and prospective residents and businesses (in line with the requirements of the NationalDevelopment Assessment Criteria : People).

3. What does planning need to do to enable development and investment in our economy sothat it benefits everyone?

It is submitted that the Heartlands Major Development Site has a key role to play in responding tothe economic challenges Scotland is likely to face in the coming years. The site’s strategic location(situated equidistant between Edinburgh and Glasgow) means it is in the ideal position to facilitatethe development of strategic infrastructure including a Transport Hub / Public Transport Interchangeof National Importance which will assist in stimulating sustainable economic growth throughoutCentral Scotland (encouraging businesses to locate and promoting residential development on site).Given the climate emergency, throughout the duration of National Planning Framework 4 there willbe a continued and heightened focus on responding to climate change and creating sustainableplaces to live and work. As stated in response to Question 2 noted above, the delivery of adevelopment of this nature will encourage the expansion of a settlement which has excellenttransport links to the rest of the country – making future development in this location accessible andattractive to future developers, particularly those seeking sustainable locations to base theirworkforce.

In line with the above, it is submitted that the Heartlands Development with its capacity to delivera sustainable Strategic Transport Hub / Public Transport Interchange of National Importanceshould be designated as a National Development within the emerging National PlanningFramework 4 in order to provide stability and confidence to both investors and developers.

Providing this stability and confidence helps to stimulate and distribute sustainable economicgrowth promoting development and investment within the economy which helps to reducepoverty and inequality (in line with National Development Assessment Criteria : Inclusive Growth).

4. What policies are needed to improve, protect and strengthen the special character of ourplaces?

The redevelopment of Heartlands involved extensive decontamination, remediation, reclamationand reuse of the former Polkemmet Colliery land at Whitburn, West Lothian which in itself has costaround £120 million, a further reason why the site requires protection as a National Developmentsite. There has been a remarkable change within West Lothian as a consequence of theredevelopment at Heartlands. In order to unlock the full potential of this brownfield site, it issubmitted that the site should be designated as a National Development as outlined, with thepresent planning consents in relation to the Heartlands site allowing for the following :

2,000 residential units (including affordable housing); 140,000m2 business park; 5,561m2 class 1 retail space; two PGA designed Championship Golf Courses; golf related hotel; health and leisure facilities; dedicated motorway junction; transport interchange (including park-and-ride facility); neighbourhood centre; and improved educational facilities.

In all regards a National Development designation will for all the reasons previously stated in thisresponse protect, enhance and ensure the quality of place to be developed at Heartlands (in linewith the National Development Assessment Criteria: Place).

5. What infrastructure do we need to build to realise our long term aspirations?

It is submitted that the Heartlands Development Site has a fundamental role in delivering thesustainable and innovative infrastructure that Scotland requires to facilitate future development. Inorder to encourage the growth in sustainable transport, improvements are required to existinginfrastructure. Heartlands is capable of delivering the wide range of uses outlined at the start of thissubmission and importantly has consent for 2000 residential units and a 140,000m2 business park.The Strategic Transport Hub / Public Transport Interchange of National Importance is required tosupport the continued and sustainable development of this site, allowing the delivery of residentialand business units in a sustainable location with excellent transport links to both Edinburgh andGlasgow, but also to attract existing and future drivers off the M8, and into long distance busestravelling east and west from Heartlands.

Furthermore, the Strategic Transport Hub itself has the potential to be energy neutral through theinstallation within its on-site infrastructure of sustainable power generation (for example windand/or PV infrastructure, that could send sustainable power back to the grid.

In all regards it is submitted that the Heartlands Development Site should be designated as aNational Development capable of facilitating and delivering the sustainable infrastructurerequired for Scotland to deliver on its long term aspirations.

Conclusion

This representation concerns the Heartlands Development Site at Whitburn, West Lothian and issubmitted on behalf of our client, Green Town (Heartlands) Ltd. in response to the NationalPlanning Framework 4 – Call for Ideas and National Developments.

In all regards and for the reasons outlined this representation seeks the designation of theHeartlands site as a National Development Site in NPF4 principally in relation to the establishmentof a Strategic Transport Hub / Public Transport Interchange of National Importance.

In addition it is significant to note that being on lands of the former Polkemmet Colliery theHeartlands site has undergone extensive decontamination and remediation (with around £120million spent on this) and for some considerable period of time has been a site of nationalsignificance. It is considered of the utmost importance to note that major projects cannot bedelivered in short time periods and as such the National Planning Framework should providestability and long term confidence to investors.

The emerging National Planning Framework must provide confidence and stability to investorsand developers to help encourage nationally significant projects to be brought forward in today’sdifficult economic climate. In all regards it is submitted that the site at Heartlands should bedesignated as a National Development Site in the emerging National Planning Framework 4 – asdemonstrated the site and proposals have the ability to meet all the criteria stated for NationalDevelopment status, and the potential to stimulate sustainability benefits on a national scale dueto its location the M8 Motorway between Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Appendix 1 : Heartlands Red Line Site Location and Site Context PlansAppendix 2 : Global Schematic Masterplan for Heartlands SiteAppendix 3 : Heartlands Strategic Transport Hub / Public Transport Interchange Indicative Plan

(No. 20080-SK-01)Appendix 4 : Extracts from West Lothian Local Development Plan

M90

A90

A71

A70

A720

A726

A702 A701

M9

M9

M73

M74

M80

M8

M8

M8

A8

GLASGOW

EDINBURGH

J5J4AHarthillServices

EdinburghAirport

J4

Drive TimesLivingston 5 minsEdinburgh 20 minsGlashow 30 minsStirling 40 minsPerth 60 mins

Sat Nav: EH47 0SF

RoadInstant access to the M8 connects to Scotland’s main arterial routes and also links to the M74 for ease into North England. M9 leads to Stirling and A1 links to the East and South.

RailThe new Armadale railway station is 10 minutes drive from the business park, providing access to the East Coast mainline. The Airdrie Bathgate line has now been upgraded linking Edinburgh to Glasgow.

AirEdinburgh and Glasgow airports are within approximately 20 and 45 minutes drive respectively. Prestwick airport is approximately 1 hour away.

SeaThe commercial ports of Grangemouth, Leith and Rosyth on the East Coast provide close overseas freight routes.

COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITIES AT SCOTLAND’S NEW MOTORWAY JUNCTION

SITES AVAILABLE FROM 1 ACRE TO 10 ACRES

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BRIDGE BETWEEN

PARKING & STANCES

RETAIL COLLECTION

HALBEATH-TEMPLATE PTI BUILDING INCLUDING WAITING

AREA, WC, TIMETABLE SCREENS (REAL-TIME COMPATIBLE).

POTENTIAL

BUS FAST-CHARGER

ZONE

ACCESS DIRECT FROM

MOTORWAY

INTERCHANGE

BUS AREA

INCLUDING:

6-BUS STANCES,

180m LAYOVER LAY-BYS

BIKE STORE FOR BIKE-AND-RIDE

E/V CHARGING BAYS

PHASE 1

INCLUDING:

191 TOTAL PARKING SPACES

(167 REGULAR SPACES, 15 E/V

CHARGING BAYS, 9 DISABLED

SPACES)

NOTE: LATER PHASES INCLUDE

CONVERTING 52 REGULAR SPACES

TO 33 DISABLED SPACES

BARRIER AND/OR HEIGHT

RESTRICTION CONTROLS

LATER PHASES

INCLUDING:

787 NEW PARKING SPACES

FEASIBILITY OF BUS ONLY LANES TO BE INVESTIGATED

AT LATER STAGE OF DESIGN PROCESS

COMBINED TOTAL

959 SPACE PARKING PROVISION

CONSISTING OF:

902 REGULAR SPACES,

15 E/V CHARGING BAYS,

42 DISABLED SPACES

POTENTIAL ADDITIONAL FOOTPATH ROUTES

BUS LAY-BY FOR LOCAL SERVICE LAYOVER

Project:

Drawing Title:

Scale

Date

Drawn

No

Date

Dwg

Checked

Client:

Rev. Revision details:

Date:

Checked:

Date:

By:

c Copyright of this document is reserved by

Dougall Baillie Associates Ltd.

DO NOT scale from this drawing

@A3Dwg Status

Notes:

Dougall Baillie Associates3 Glenfield Road, Kelvin

East Kilbride G75 0RA

t 01355 266480

f 01355 221991e enquiries@dougallbaillie com

w www dougallbaillie comcivil structural transportation water management

Print

GREEN TOWN (HEARTLANDS) LTD

HEARTLANDS PTI

HEARTLANDSPUBLIC TRANSPORT INTERCHANGELAYOUT OPTION

C.M.

29.04.20

N.T.S.

R.C.M.D.

29.04.20

20080-SK-01

INFORMATON COLOUR

Based upon the Ordnance Survey map with thepermission of the Controller of H.M.Stationery Office. Crown Copyright Reserved.Licence No. AL 100018007

- 959 TOTAL PARKING SPACES

· 191 SPACES IN PHASE 1(INC. 9 DISABLED & 15 E/V CHARGING BAYS)

· 787 SPACES IN LATER PHASES (ALSO NOTE THAT 52 PHASE 1 SPACES WILL BE

REPLACED BY A FURTHER 33 DISABLED BAYS)

- LAYOUT FORMULATED TO ACCOMMODATE15m DOUBLE DECK COACHES x 2.5m WIDE.

- VEHICLE SWEPT PATH ANALYSIS TO BEUNDERTAKEN ON PREFERRED OPTIONLAYOUT FOR RANGE OF VEHICLES SPECIFIEDBY OPERATORS.

- LANES SIZED TO ACCOMMODATE LARGEVEHICLES PASSING.

- ACCESS ROAD WIDTH 7m MINIMUM.

- DDA COMPATIBLE LAYOUT.

- WHEELCHAIR LIFT COMPATIBLE LAYOUT.

- WINTER MAINTENANCE OF OPERATIONALROADS & FOOTWAY ROUTES BY WLC.

- BIKE-AND-RIDE FACILITIES PROVIDED.

- SITE TO BE 'SECURE-BY-DESIGN' AND HAVECCTV COVERAGE.

- A NUMBER OF BAYS TO BE DEDICATED TOCOACHES (TBA).

- SURFACE TO BE OIL RESISTANT AND DRAINEDTO LOCAL AUTHORITY STANDARDS.

- ENFORCEMENT OF 'BUS/COACH ONLY' ACCESSTO BE DISCUSSED.

- MAX. WALKING DISTANCE BETWEEN PARKINGAND PTI BUILDING ~550m.

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WHITBURN

Population in 2013 10,873 (NRS 2013 Mid Year Estimates)

HOUSINGLDP Site Ref Location

Site Size (Ha) Capacity

H-WH 1 Polkemmet, Heartlands, (1) 3.7 68

H-WH 2 Polkemmet, Heartlands, Areas A,B and C 4.5 88

H-WH 3 Polkemmet (Remainder) 66.9 2,683

H-WH 4 Whitdale, East Main Street 1.4 49

H-WH 5 Dixon Terrace 2.5 50

H-WH 6 Polkemmet Business Centre, Dixon Terrace 0.4 10

EMPLOYMENTLDP Site Ref Location

Site Size (Ha) Use classes

E-WH 1 Cowhill, Whitburn 32.60 4, 5, 6

MIXED USELDP Site Ref Location Residential Capacity (Ha)

H-WH 7 Murraysgate, West Main Street 60

OTHER DEVELOPMENTSLDP Site Ref Location Proposal

P-81 Armadale Road/East Main Street New partnership centre

P-83 Cowhill Express coach service with associated park & ride

P-84 A706 – B7066 link, Polkemmet Land safeguarding for road corridor

P-85 Blaeberryhill Road Land safeguarding for extension to cemetery

P-86 St Joseph’s Primary School, Whitburn School extension

P-87 Heartlands, new Primary School New primary school

Whitburn *Projects arising from Whitburn Charette e.g. shopfront improvements; public realm enhancements; gap site development, strategic footpath, greenway and associated environmental Improvements.

WILIKESTON

Population in 2013 159 (NRS 2013 Mid Year Estimates)

HOUSINGLDP Site Ref Location

Site Size (Ha) Capacity

H-WI 1 Linburn 4.6 50

H-WI 2 East Coxydene Farm 1.4 25

OTHER DEVELOPMENTSLDP Site Ref Location Proposal

P-88 North of Wilkieston A71 bypass; relief road north of Wilkieston

WINCHBURGH

Population in 2013 2,512 (NRS 2013 Mid Year Estimates)

HOUSINGLDP Site Ref Location

Site Size (Ha) Capacity

H-WB 1 Castle Road 0.62 10

H-WB 2 Dunn Place (Winchburgh Primary School) 0.8 20

H-WB 14 Main Street (former Beatlie School and Winchburgh Day Centre) 0.6 11

H-WB 15 Glendevon (regeneration site) 0.8 27

H-WB 18 Site adjoining Niddry Mains House 2.8 30

MIXED USELDP Site Ref Location Residential Capacity (Ha)

H-WB 16 Site west of Ross’s Plantation 189

EMPLOYMENTLDP Site Ref Location

Site Size (Ha) Use classes

E-WB 1 Myreside East 10.59 4, 5, 6

E-WB 2 Myreside West 28.8 4, 5, 6

HEARTLANDS DEVELOPMENT SITE, WHITBURN STRATEGIC TRANSPORT HUB OF NATIONALIMPORTANCEPlease find attached our submission to the National Planning Framework 4 - Call for Ideas (NationalDevelopment) on behalf of our client Green Town (Heartlands) Ltd. Please note that due to the size of thedocument enclosed as Appendix 1, this representation will be submitted over two emails. I would be grateful if you could please confirm receipt of this e-mail.Kind Regards, Monica LoughranMcInally Associates Ltd

16RobertsonStreet, GlasgowG28DST: | E‐mail:Web:  www.mcinallyassociates.co.uk

______________________________________________________________________This email has been scanned by the Symantec Email Security.cloud service.For more information please visit http://www.symanteccloud.com______________________________________________________________________

HEARTLANDS DEVELOPMENT SITE, WHITBURN STRATEGIC TRANSPORT HUB OF NATIONALIMPORTANCEFurther to my email below, please find attached Appendix 1 (Part 2). I would be grateful if you could please confirm receipt of this e-mail.Kind Regards, Monica LoughranMcInally Associates Ltd

16RobertsonStreet, GlasgowG28DST: | E‐mail:Web:  www.mcinallyassociates.co.uk

HEARTLANDS DEVELOPMENT SITE, WHITBURN STRATEGIC TRANSPORT HUB OF NATIONALIMPORTANCEPlease find attached our submission to the National Planning Framework 4 - Call for Ideas (NationalDevelopment) on behalf of our client Green Town (Heartlands) Ltd. Please note that due to the size of thedocument enclosed as Appendix 1, this representation will be submitted over two emails. I would be grateful if you could please confirm receipt of this e-mail.Kind Regards, Monica LoughranMcInally Associates Ltd

16RobertsonStreet, GlasgowG28DST:  E‐mail:Web:  www.mcinallyassociates.co.uk

______________________________________________________________________This email has been scanned by the Symantec Email Security.cloud service.For more information please visit http://www.symanteccloud.com______________________________________________________________________

NATIONAL FRAMEWORK 4 : CALL FOR IDEAS AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS

HEARTLANDS DEVELOPMENT SITE, WHITBURNSTRATEGIC TRANSPORT HUB OF NATIONAL IMPORTANCE

Introduction

This representation concerns the Heartlands development site at Whitburn, West Lothian (seeAppendix 1 for site location and site context plans) and is submitted on behalf of our client GreenTown (Heartlands) Limited in response to the invitation to submit a representation to the NationalPlanning Framework 4 Call for Ideas and National Developments.

In all regards this representation seeks the designation of the Heartlands site as a NationalDevelopment site in NPF4 principally in relation to the establishment of a Strategic Transport Hub/ Public Transport Interchange of National Importance on the Heartlands development site.

The Heartlands development site is located on lands of the former Polkemmet Colliery, to the southof the M8 motorway, to the west of Whitburn and north of Fauldhouse. The site is strategicallylocated almost centrally between Glasgow and Edinburgh, being only 37km from Glasgow and 34kmfrom Edinburgh. Importantly in terms of the establishment of a strategic transport hub it should benoted upfront that the core infrastructure delivered to date on the Heartlands site includes aprivately funded full diamond interchange motorway junction to the M8 motorway.

In all regards the extensive decontamination, remediation, reclamation and subsequent re-use ofthe former Colliery land at Heartlands which has and continues to take place is strongly supportedby all aspects and levels of planning policy including National Planning Policy in the form of theScottish Government document ‘Scottish Planning Policy’, where there is strong support for thedevelopment of brownfield sites. This redevelopment of the former Polkemmet Colliery site has alsobeen strongly supported by West Lothian Council, where through the approval of various planningconsents it has been demonstrated that there is support for this large scale reclamation of theformer Colliery site. In addition to this the previous West Lothian Local Plan stated that “the Councilfully supports the development initiative at Polkemmet, known as Heartlands, which representsthe largest ever private sector investment in West Lothian”. This support continues into thecurrent Local Development Plan.

In this regard the remediation works alone have cost around £120 million with the previous WestLothian Local Plan stating that the Heartlands proposals involve “one of the most problematiccontaminated and derelict sites in Scotland” and the Council have stated in previous local planconsultations that the redevelopment of this land is thought to be the best means of securing therehabilitation of the largest remaining area of dereliction in West Lothian.

At present planning consents in relation to the Heartlands site allow for :

2,000 residential units (including affordable housing); 140,000m2 business park; 5,561m2 class 1 retail space; two PGA designed Championship Golf Courses; golf related hotel; health and leisure facilities; dedicated motorway junction;

transport interchange (including park-and-ride facility); neighbourhood centre; and improved educational facilities.

The above can be illustrated by reference to the latest Global Schematic Masterplan for the site (seeAppendix 2).

It is considered of significance to this representation to note that development on the Heartlandssite is progressing well with the M8 motorway junction and business park infrastructure (next to themotorway junction) complete and 457 residential dwellings built and occupied on the site.

As previously stated this submission relates to the designation of the Heartlands site as a NationalDevelopment site principally in relation to the establishment of a Strategic Transport Hub / PublicTransport Interchange of National Importance.

In this regard the requirement for a Public Transport Interchange (including park-and-ride facility)forms part of the Planning Permission in Principle for the site, is included in the Section 75 legalagreement for the site and is designated on the Heartlands Development Site in the adopted WestLothian Local Plan (see Appendix 4).

With this in mind and given the key strategic location of the Heartlands site, in order to ensurethat the Heartlands Strategic Transport Hub / Public Transport Interchange provided if fit forpurposes, commercial, user friendly, future proofed and in line with the ongoing need to reducereliance on carbon Green Town (Heartlands) Limited have established a working group toformulate ideas. This working group current involves West Lothian Council, Whitburn CommunityCouncil, several of the key bus operators, Green Town (Heartlands) and their consultant team.

It is important to note that feedback from this working group has been extremely positive withseveral key bus operators keen to be involved and recognising the key strategic location of theHeartlands site.

In all regards it should be noted that Green Town (Heartlands) are committed to delivering anexcellent, commercial functioning public transport interchange and a detailed planning applicationwill follow for this in due course.

Notwithstanding this the enclosed plan (see Appendix 3) prepared by Green Town (Heartlands)traffic consultant, Dougall Baillie Associates, illustrates a general idea of the location and contentof the Heartlands Strategic Transport Hub / Public Transport Interchange. It should be noted thatthis indicative plan (No. 20080-SK-01) has been discussed by the aforementioned working group.

With regard to the designation of a site as a National Development the background information onNPF4 and the guidance notes provided clearly state the following :

“National Development Assessment Criteria

We will analyse all proposals for national development status in relation to the following criteria:

Climate Change : The development will help to reduce emissions, contributing to Scotland’starget of net zero emissions by 2045, will be emissions neutral, or emissions negative.

People : The development will support the health, wellbeing, sustainability, and quality of life ofour current and future population.

Inclusive Growth : The development will contribute to sustainable economic growth that helps toreduce poverty and inequality across Scotland.

Place : The development will protect or enhance the quality of a place or improve biodiversity.”

A number of questions are posed throughout the National Framework 4 – Call for Ideas supportingdocumentation which overlap with the National Development assessment criteria and as such thissection of the representation comments on those questions which are relevant and applicable to thesite at Heartlands.

1. What development will we need to address climate change?

It is submitted that National Planning Framework 4 should recognise the potential of Heartlands toassist in the delivery of a proactive response to climate change. The designation of a NationalDevelopment in the form of a Strategic Transport Hub / Public Transport Interchange of NationalImportance on the Heartlands site would contribute to a substantial and significant reduction in thenumber of people commuting via private car between Glasgow, Edinburgh and the surroundingareas. The reduction in car use will assist the Government in reaching their target of net zeroemissions by 2045. The Heartlands Strategic Transport Hub / Public Transport Interchange wouldinclude a substantial Park-and-Ride facility, would tackle congestion problems and provide analternative and more sustainable travel option for travellers to Edinburgh, Glasgow and thesurrounding area.

In all regards the Heartlands Strategic Transport Hub / Public Transport Interchange would assist inproviding jobs within the area and supporting the local economy. It is submitted that this facility andindeed the wider Heartlands development is capable of :

Contributing to a reduction in emissions on the M8 corridor

Facilitating job creation, reducing unemployment

Improving transport and infrastructure networks

Adapting to or contribute to mitigating the effects of climate change

Given the aforementioned it is submitted that the Heartlands site should be recognised as aNational Development within the emerging National Planning Framework 4 principally in relationto the establishment of a Strategic Transport Hub of National Importance as the site is adaptable,resilient and capable of meeting the previously outlined National Development AssessmentCriteria in relation to Climate Change. As outlined above, the development of Heartlands iscapable of assisting in the reaching the target of net zero emissions by 2045 and can supportinclusive, sustainable economic growth through the delivery of this Strategic and SustainableTransport Hub / Public Transport Interchange of National Importance.

2. How can planning best support our quality of life, health and wellbeing in the future?

In response to the climate emergency it is a widely stated aim that by 2050 our society should seekto have a significant reduction on the reliance on private cars. In order to do this, the ScottishGovernment must support and encourage the delivery of infrastructure which seeks to promote areduction in car usage. The Heartlands Development Site is strategically located almost equidistant

between Edinburgh and Glasgow; the introduction of a Strategic Transport Hub / Public TransportInterchange of National Importance in this location will help to encourage the expansion of theHeartlands Development, making the area more attractive to prospective developers. It is submittedthat the Strategic Transport Hub / Public Transport Interchange of National Significance would makeexisting and future development around the Heartlands area more inclusive; households without carownership would be attracted to relocate to the area due to the presence of this sustainabletransport infrastructure. It would also encourage a reduction in car usage within the existing localpopulation as they would have access to the transport hub / public transport interchange, but alsoon the M8 motorway corridor.

Furthermore, as outlined previously in this representation current consents on the Heartlands siteallow for (amongst a wide range of other uses) a 140,000m2 business park. It is submitted that theintroduction of this Strategic Transport Hub / Public Transport Interchange at this location will createan attractive and accessible environment and encourage new businesses to the area, stimulatingeconomic growth.

In all regards, in response to the climate emergency, sustainable strategic infrastructuralenhancements are required throughout Scotland to encourage and stimulate a reduction in carusage within the country, which in turn helps to establish a better quality and more sustainableplace to the benefit of the existing and future population.

The Heartlands Development Site should be recognised as a National Development within theemerging National Planning Framework 4 principally in relation to the establishment of a StrategicTransport Hub / Public Transport Interchange of National Importance as it can help stimulatesustainable infrastructural development and is expected to encourage a significant reduction incar usage. It is submitted that this will help to support improved quality of life, health andwellbeing in the area, and would improve the future of the Heartlands redevelopment for bothexisting and prospective residents and businesses (in line with the requirements of the NationalDevelopment Assessment Criteria : People).

3. What does planning need to do to enable development and investment in our economy sothat it benefits everyone?

It is submitted that the Heartlands Major Development Site has a key role to play in responding tothe economic challenges Scotland is likely to face in the coming years. The site’s strategic location(situated equidistant between Edinburgh and Glasgow) means it is in the ideal position to facilitatethe development of strategic infrastructure including a Transport Hub / Public Transport Interchangeof National Importance which will assist in stimulating sustainable economic growth throughoutCentral Scotland (encouraging businesses to locate and promoting residential development on site).Given the climate emergency, throughout the duration of National Planning Framework 4 there willbe a continued and heightened focus on responding to climate change and creating sustainableplaces to live and work. As stated in response to Question 2 noted above, the delivery of adevelopment of this nature will encourage the expansion of a settlement which has excellenttransport links to the rest of the country – making future development in this location accessible andattractive to future developers, particularly those seeking sustainable locations to base theirworkforce.

In line with the above, it is submitted that the Heartlands Development with its capacity to delivera sustainable Strategic Transport Hub / Public Transport Interchange of National Importanceshould be designated as a National Development within the emerging National PlanningFramework 4 in order to provide stability and confidence to both investors and developers.

Providing this stability and confidence helps to stimulate and distribute sustainable economicgrowth promoting development and investment within the economy which helps to reducepoverty and inequality (in line with National Development Assessment Criteria : Inclusive Growth).

4. What policies are needed to improve, protect and strengthen the special character of ourplaces?

The redevelopment of Heartlands involved extensive decontamination, remediation, reclamationand reuse of the former Polkemmet Colliery land at Whitburn, West Lothian which in itself has costaround £120 million, a further reason why the site requires protection as a National Developmentsite. There has been a remarkable change within West Lothian as a consequence of theredevelopment at Heartlands. In order to unlock the full potential of this brownfield site, it issubmitted that the site should be designated as a National Development as outlined, with thepresent planning consents in relation to the Heartlands site allowing for the following :

2,000 residential units (including affordable housing); 140,000m2 business park; 5,561m2 class 1 retail space; two PGA designed Championship Golf Courses; golf related hotel; health and leisure facilities; dedicated motorway junction; transport interchange (including park-and-ride facility); neighbourhood centre; and improved educational facilities.

In all regards a National Development designation will for all the reasons previously stated in thisresponse protect, enhance and ensure the quality of place to be developed at Heartlands (in linewith the National Development Assessment Criteria: Place).

5. What infrastructure do we need to build to realise our long term aspirations?

It is submitted that the Heartlands Development Site has a fundamental role in delivering thesustainable and innovative infrastructure that Scotland requires to facilitate future development. Inorder to encourage the growth in sustainable transport, improvements are required to existinginfrastructure. Heartlands is capable of delivering the wide range of uses outlined at the start of thissubmission and importantly has consent for 2000 residential units and a 140,000m2 business park.The Strategic Transport Hub / Public Transport Interchange of National Importance is required tosupport the continued and sustainable development of this site, allowing the delivery of residentialand business units in a sustainable location with excellent transport links to both Edinburgh andGlasgow, but also to attract existing and future drivers off the M8, and into long distance busestravelling east and west from Heartlands.

Furthermore, the Strategic Transport Hub itself has the potential to be energy neutral through theinstallation within its on-site infrastructure of sustainable power generation (for example windand/or PV infrastructure, that could send sustainable power back to the grid.

In all regards it is submitted that the Heartlands Development Site should be designated as aNational Development capable of facilitating and delivering the sustainable infrastructurerequired for Scotland to deliver on its long term aspirations.

Conclusion

This representation concerns the Heartlands Development Site at Whitburn, West Lothian and issubmitted on behalf of our client, Green Town (Heartlands) Ltd. in response to the NationalPlanning Framework 4 – Call for Ideas and National Developments.

In all regards and for the reasons outlined this representation seeks the designation of theHeartlands site as a National Development Site in NPF4 principally in relation to the establishmentof a Strategic Transport Hub / Public Transport Interchange of National Importance.

In addition it is significant to note that being on lands of the former Polkemmet Colliery theHeartlands site has undergone extensive decontamination and remediation (with around £120million spent on this) and for some considerable period of time has been a site of nationalsignificance. It is considered of the utmost importance to note that major projects cannot bedelivered in short time periods and as such the National Planning Framework should providestability and long term confidence to investors.

The emerging National Planning Framework must provide confidence and stability to investorsand developers to help encourage nationally significant projects to be brought forward in today’sdifficult economic climate. In all regards it is submitted that the site at Heartlands should bedesignated as a National Development Site in the emerging National Planning Framework 4 – asdemonstrated the site and proposals have the ability to meet all the criteria stated for NationalDevelopment status, and the potential to stimulate sustainability benefits on a national scale dueto its location the M8 Motorway between Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Appendix 1 : Heartlands Red Line Site Location and Site Context PlansAppendix 2 : Global Schematic Masterplan for Heartlands SiteAppendix 3 : Heartlands Strategic Transport Hub / Public Transport Interchange Indicative Plan

(No. 20080-SK-01)Appendix 4 : Extracts from West Lothian Local Development Plan

APPENDIX 1:

HEARTLANDS RED LINE SITE LOCATION AND SITE CONTEXT PLANS

M90

A90

A71

A70

A720

A726

A702 A701

M9

M9

M73

M74

M80

M8

M8

M8

A8

GLASGOW

EDINBURGH

J5J4AHarthillServices

EdinburghAirport

J4

Drive TimesLivingston 5 minsEdinburgh 20 minsGlashow 30 minsStirling 40 minsPerth 60 mins

Sat Nav: EH47 0SF

RoadInstant access to the M8 connects to Scotland’s main arterial routes and also links to the M74 for ease into North England. M9 leads to Stirling and A1 links to the East and South.

RailThe new Armadale railway station is 10 minutes drive from the business park, providing access to the East Coast mainline. The Airdrie Bathgate line has now been upgraded linking Edinburgh to Glasgow.

AirEdinburgh and Glasgow airports are within approximately 20 and 45 minutes drive respectively. Prestwick airport is approximately 1 hour away.

SeaThe commercial ports of Grangemouth, Leith and Rosyth on the East Coast provide close overseas freight routes.

COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITIES AT SCOTLAND’S NEW MOTORWAY JUNCTION

SITES AVAILABLE FROM 1 ACRE TO 10 ACRES

APPENDIX 2:

GLOBAL SCHEMATIC MASTERPLAN FOR HEARTLANDS SITE

[SUBMITTED SEPARATELY DUE TO FILE SIZE]

APPENDIX 3:

HEARTLANDS STRATEGIC TRANSPORT HUB / PUBLIC TRANSPORT

INTERCHANGE INDICATIVE PLAN (NO. 20080-SK-01)

N

C

N

C

N

*

*

BRIDGE BETWEEN

PARKING & STANCES

RETAIL COLLECTION

HALBEATH-TEMPLATE PTI BUILDING INCLUDING WAITING

AREA, WC, TIMETABLE SCREENS (REAL-TIME COMPATIBLE).

POTENTIAL

BUS FAST-CHARGER

ZONE

ACCESS DIRECT FROM

MOTORWAY

INTERCHANGE

BUS AREA

INCLUDING:

6-BUS STANCES,

180m LAYOVER LAY-BYS

BIKE STORE FOR BIKE-AND-RIDE

E/V CHARGING BAYS

PHASE 1

INCLUDING:

191 TOTAL PARKING SPACES

(167 REGULAR SPACES, 15 E/V

CHARGING BAYS, 9 DISABLED

SPACES)

NOTE: LATER PHASES INCLUDE

CONVERTING 52 REGULAR SPACES

TO 33 DISABLED SPACES

BARRIER AND/OR HEIGHT

RESTRICTION CONTROLS

LATER PHASES

INCLUDING:

787 NEW PARKING SPACES

FEASIBILITY OF BUS ONLY LANES TO BE INVESTIGATED

AT LATER STAGE OF DESIGN PROCESS

COMBINED TOTAL

959 SPACE PARKING PROVISION

CONSISTING OF:

902 REGULAR SPACES,

15 E/V CHARGING BAYS,

42 DISABLED SPACES

POTENTIAL ADDITIONAL FOOTPATH ROUTES

BUS LAY-BY FOR LOCAL SERVICE LAYOVER

Project:

Drawing Title:

Scale

Date

Drawn

No

Date

Dwg

Checked

Client:

Rev. Revision details:

Date:

Checked:

Date:

By:

c Copyright of this document is reserved by

Dougall Baillie Associates Ltd.

DO NOT scale from this drawing

@A3Dwg Status

Notes:

Dougall Baillie Associates3 Glenfield Road, Kelvin

East Kilbride G75 0RA

t 01355 266480

f 01355 221991e enquiries@dougallbaillie com

w www dougallbaillie comcivil structural transportation water management

Print

GREEN TOWN (HEARTLANDS) LTD

HEARTLANDS PTI

HEARTLANDSPUBLIC TRANSPORT INTERCHANGELAYOUT OPTION

C.M.

29.04.20

N.T.S.

R.C.M.D.

29.04.20

20080-SK-01

INFORMATON COLOUR

Based upon the Ordnance Survey map with thepermission of the Controller of H.M.Stationery Office. Crown Copyright Reserved.Licence No. AL 100018007

- 959 TOTAL PARKING SPACES

· 191 SPACES IN PHASE 1(INC. 9 DISABLED & 15 E/V CHARGING BAYS)

· 787 SPACES IN LATER PHASES (ALSO NOTE THAT 52 PHASE 1 SPACES WILL BE

REPLACED BY A FURTHER 33 DISABLED BAYS)

- LAYOUT FORMULATED TO ACCOMMODATE15m DOUBLE DECK COACHES x 2.5m WIDE.

- VEHICLE SWEPT PATH ANALYSIS TO BEUNDERTAKEN ON PREFERRED OPTIONLAYOUT FOR RANGE OF VEHICLES SPECIFIEDBY OPERATORS.

- LANES SIZED TO ACCOMMODATE LARGEVEHICLES PASSING.

- ACCESS ROAD WIDTH 7m MINIMUM.

- DDA COMPATIBLE LAYOUT.

- WHEELCHAIR LIFT COMPATIBLE LAYOUT.

- WINTER MAINTENANCE OF OPERATIONALROADS & FOOTWAY ROUTES BY WLC.

- BIKE-AND-RIDE FACILITIES PROVIDED.

- SITE TO BE 'SECURE-BY-DESIGN' AND HAVECCTV COVERAGE.

- A NUMBER OF BAYS TO BE DEDICATED TOCOACHES (TBA).

- SURFACE TO BE OIL RESISTANT AND DRAINEDTO LOCAL AUTHORITY STANDARDS.

- ENFORCEMENT OF 'BUS/COACH ONLY' ACCESSTO BE DISCUSSED.

- MAX. WALKING DISTANCE BETWEEN PARKINGAND PTI BUILDING ~550m.

APPENDIX 4:

EXTRACTS FROM WEST LOTHIAN LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN

Wes

t Lot

hian

Loc

al D

evel

opm

ent P

lan

2018

: Ad

opte

d Pl

an

94

WHITBURN

Population in 2013 10,873 (NRS 2013 Mid Year Estimates)

HOUSINGLDP Site Ref Location

Site Size (Ha) Capacity

H-WH 1 Polkemmet, Heartlands, (1) 3.7 68

H-WH 2 Polkemmet, Heartlands, Areas A,B and C 4.5 88

H-WH 3 Polkemmet (Remainder) 66.9 2,683

H-WH 4 Whitdale, East Main Street 1.4 49

H-WH 5 Dixon Terrace 2.5 50

H-WH 6 Polkemmet Business Centre, Dixon Terrace 0.4 10

EMPLOYMENTLDP Site Ref Location

Site Size (Ha) Use classes

E-WH 1 Cowhill, Whitburn 32.60 4, 5, 6

MIXED USELDP Site Ref Location Residential Capacity (Ha)

H-WH 7 Murraysgate, West Main Street 60

OTHER DEVELOPMENTSLDP Site Ref Location Proposal

P-81 Armadale Road/East Main Street New partnership centre

P-83 Cowhill Express coach service with associated park & ride

P-84 A706 – B7066 link, Polkemmet Land safeguarding for road corridor

P-85 Blaeberryhill Road Land safeguarding for extension to cemetery

P-86 St Joseph’s Primary School, Whitburn School extension

P-87 Heartlands, new Primary School New primary school

Whitburn *Projects arising from Whitburn Charette e.g. shopfront improvements; public realm enhancements; gap site development, strategic footpath, greenway and associated environmental Improvements.

WILIKESTON

Population in 2013 159 (NRS 2013 Mid Year Estimates)

HOUSINGLDP Site Ref Location

Site Size (Ha) Capacity

H-WI 1 Linburn 4.6 50

H-WI 2 East Coxydene Farm 1.4 25

OTHER DEVELOPMENTSLDP Site Ref Location Proposal

P-88 North of Wilkieston A71 bypass; relief road north of Wilkieston

WINCHBURGH

Population in 2013 2,512 (NRS 2013 Mid Year Estimates)

HOUSINGLDP Site Ref Location

Site Size (Ha) Capacity

H-WB 1 Castle Road 0.62 10

H-WB 2 Dunn Place (Winchburgh Primary School) 0.8 20

H-WB 14 Main Street (former Beatlie School and Winchburgh Day Centre) 0.6 11

H-WB 15 Glendevon (regeneration site) 0.8 27

H-WB 18 Site adjoining Niddry Mains House 2.8 30

MIXED USELDP Site Ref Location Residential Capacity (Ha)

H-WB 16 Site west of Ross’s Plantation 189

EMPLOYMENTLDP Site Ref Location

Site Size (Ha) Use classes

E-WB 1 Myreside East 10.59 4, 5, 6

E-WB 2 Myreside West 28.8 4, 5, 6

APPENDIX 2:

GLOBAL SCHEMATIC MASTERPLAN FOR HEARTLANDS SITE

B S S

S

S

B

D

R

R

W

N

D

D

B

S

B

K

B

U

R

G

B

U

N

U

R

G

H

D

9

S

W

N

P

S

N

U

N

B

V

S

V

S

S

B

S

S

0 0

S

S S B

S

SS 0 S 00 B

S S

B

0 0 0

S

V

B

B

V

S

S S

A SS

@

0

V

S S S B S

S

0 @ 0

0 0

0 0 S

0V S

B V S S

0V S B

Y

0 0 9V V S S

9 9V S

9 9V S

National Planning Framework 4 Call for Ideas

RESPONDENT INFORMATION FORM

Please Note this form must be completed and returned with your response.

Please send responses to scotplan@gov.scot. Further information about the National

Planning Framework is available at www.transformingplanning.scot

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Green Town (Heartlands) Ltd.

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If you choose the option 'Do not publishresponse', your organisation name may still be

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listed as having responded to the call for ideas.

2

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P lanningforS c otland in 20 50N ationalP lanningFramework4

NationalD evelopm ents –Response Form

P leas e u s e the table below to letu s know abou tprojec ts you thinkmay be s u itablefornationald evelopments tatu s . You c an als o tellu s you rviews on the exis tingnationald evelopments in N ationalP lanningFramework3, referenc ingtheirnameand nu mber, and provid ingreas ons as to why they s hou ld maintain theirs tatu s .P leas e u s e a s eparate table foreac hprojec tord evelopment. P lease fillin aRespond entInform ation Form and retu rn itwith this form tosc otplan@ gov. sc ot.

N ame ofpropos ed nationald evelopment

H eartland s S trategic Trans portH u b /P u blicTrans portInterc hange

B riefd es c ription ofpropos ednationald evelopment

H eartland s S trategic Trans portH u b /P u blicTrans portInterc hange ofN ationalImportanc e

L oc ation ofpropos ed nationald evelopment(information in aGIS formatis welc ome ifavailable)

H eartland s Urban Expans ion A rea, W hitbu rn,W es tL othian

W hatpartorparts ofthed evelopmentrequ ires planningpermis s ion orotherc ons ent?

Requ irementfora P u blic Trans portInterc hange(inc lu d ingpark-and -rid e fac ility)forms partoftheP lanningP ermis s ion in P rinc iple forthe s ite isinc lu d ed in the S ec tion 7 5 legalagreementforthe s ite. D etailed planningc ons entis requ iredforthe fac ility.

W hen wou ld the d evelopmentbe c omplete oroperational?

20 22

Is the d evelopmentalread yformally rec ognis ed –forexample id entified in ad evelopmentplan, hasplanningpermis s ion, in rec eiptoffu nd ingetc .

D evelopmentzoned within W es tL othian L oc alD evelopmentP lan as P –8 3 (O therD evelopments )–C owhill(Expres s c oac hs ervic ewithas s oc iated parkand rid e)

C ontribu tion ofpropos ed nationald evelopmentto the nationald evelopmentc riteria(maximu m 50 0 word s ):

In allregard s this representation seeks the d esignation of the H eartland ssite as a NationalD evelopm entsite in NP F4 princ ipally in relation to theestablishm entofaS trategic TransportH u b /P u blic TransportInterc hange ofNationalIm portanc e on the H eartland s d evelopm entsite.

The H eartland s d evelopments ite is loc ated on land s of the former P olkemmetC olliery, to the s ou th of the M 8 motorway, to the wes tof W hitbu rn and north ofFau ld hou s e. The s ite is s trategic ally loc ated almos tc entrally between Glas gowand Ed inbu rgh, beingonly 37 km from Glas gow and 34km from Ed inbu rgh.

Itis su bm itted thatthe H eartland s site shou ld be rec ognised as a NationalD evelopm entwithin the em erging NationalP lanning Fram ework 4 princ ipallyin relation to the establishm entof a S trategic TransportH u b of NationalIm portanc e as the site is ad aptable, resilientand c apable of m eeting andfu rthering the ou tlined NationalD evelopm entA ssessm entC riteriain relationto C lim ate C hange. A s ou tlined above, the d evelopm entof H eartland s isc apable of assisting in the reac hing the targetof netzero em issions by 2045and c an su pport inc lu sive, su stainable ec onom ic growth throu gh thed elivery ofthis S trategic S u stainable TransportH u b ofNationalIm portanc e.

In response to the c lim ate em ergenc y, su stainable strategic infrastru c tu ralenhanc em ents are requ ired within S c otland to enc ou rage and stim u late asu bstantialred u c tion in c aru sage within the c ou ntry, whic h in tu rn helps toestablish a betterqu ality and m ore su stainable plac e to the benefitof theexisting and fu tu re popu lation. The proposed H eartland s S trategic TransportH u b will be of National Im portanc e as it c an help stim u late su stainableinfrastru c tu rald evelopm entand enc ou rage a c onsistentannu alred u c tion inc ar m ileage. Itis su bm itted thatthis willsu pportim proved qu ality of life,health and wellbeing in the area, and enhanc e the fu tu re forboth existingand prospec tive H eartland s resid ents and bu sinesses (in line with therequ irem ents ofthe NationalD evelopm entA ssessm entC riteria : P eople).

In line with the above, itis su bm itted thatthe H eartland s D evelopm entwithits c apac ity to d elivera su stainable and S trategic TransportH u b of NationalIm portanc e shou ld be d esignated as a National D evelopm ent within theem erging NationalP lanning Fram ework 4 in ord er to provid e stability andc onfid enc e to both investors and d evelopers. P rovid ing this stability andc onfid enc e helps to stim u late and d istribu te su stainable ec onom ic growthprom oting d evelopm entand investm entwithin the ec onom y whic h helps tored u c e poverty and inequ ality (in line with National D evelopm entA ssessm entC riteria : Inc lu sive Growth).

The d evelopm ent of H eartland s has involved extensive d ec ontam ination,rem ed iation, rec lam ation and reu se of the form erP olkem m etC olliery land atW hitbu rn, W est L othian whic h in itself has c ost arou nd £ 120 m illion, afu rtherreason why the site requ ires protec tion as a NationalD evelopm entsite. There has been a rem arkable c hange within W est L othian as ac onsequ enc e of the H eartland s red evelopm ent. It is c onsid ered ofsignific anc e to this representation to note thatd evelopm entatH eartland s isprogressing well with the M 8 m otorway ju nc tion and bu siness park

infrastru c tu re (nextto the m otorway ju nc tion)c om plete and 457 resid entiald wellings bu iltand oc c u pied .

H owever in ord er to u nloc k the fu llpotentialof this brownfield site, itissu bm itted thatthe site shou ld be d esignated as a NationalD evelopm entasou tlined , presentplanning c onsents atH eartland s c om prise the following :

2 , 000 resid entialu nits (inc lu d ing afford able hou sing) 140 , 000m 2 bu siness park 5, 561m 2 c lass 1 retailspac e two P GA -d esigned C ham pionship GolfC ou rses golfrelated hotel health and leisu re fac ilities d ed ic ated m otorway ju nc tion transportinterc hange (inc lu d ing park-and -rid e fac ility) neighbou rhood c entre im proved ed u c ationalfac ilities

In allregard s a NationalD evelopm entd esignation willfor allthe reasonspreviou sly stated protec t, enhanc e and ensu re the qu ality of plac e to bed eveloped atH eartland s (in line with the NationalD evelopm entA ssessm entC riteria: P lac e).

The above shou ld be read in c onju nc tion with the following whic h isattac hed -

A ppend ix 1 : C om prehensive response su bm itted to NP F4 C allforId eas onbehalfofGreen Town (H eartland s)L td and to inc lu d e textentitled ‘ NationalP lanning Fram ework4 C allforId eas andNationalD evelopm ents –H eartland s D evelopm entS ite,W hitbu rn –S trategic TransportH u b ofNationalIm portanc e’

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