39 short-term let rooms at 57-61 South Bridge Street, Bathgate

“Planning permission is sought for the change of use of the former ‘Farmfoods’ retail shop (Class 1A) to form short term letting accommodation over both the ground and first floor level (Class 7, hotels and hostels) as well as changes to door openings and windows. The application site is located on the corner of South Bridge Street and Gardner’s Lane, Bathgate. The site is identified as being within Bathgate town centre in the West Lothian Local Development Plan.”

“The application includes the formation of 39 short term let rooms over two floors, each with en-suite shower facilities. Access to the building is proposed through the entrance onto South Bridge Street whereby there would be a staffed reception area. There are no kitchen facilities.”

“0981/FUL/22 - Change of use from retail (class 1) to arts & wellbeing hub (sui generis) with external alterations was withdrawn.”

“LIVE/0045/FUL/93 - External alterations to shop premises was granted planning permission on 18 March 1993.”

“The proposal would bring a large vacant town centre building back into beneficial use, enhancing the vitality of the town centre and creating employment and associated economic benefits. The proposed use is entirely appropriate for the town centre location and represents as sustainable form of development.”

“The proposal complies with policy 1 (Tackling the climate and nature crisis), policy 2 (Climate mitigation and adaption), policy 14 (Design Quality and Place), policy 27 (City, town, local and commercial centres) and policy 30 (Tourism) of NPF4.”

“Four letters of objection have been received. A summary of the representations is located in the table below:”

“Comments Response Detrimental to the area, economy and community Noted. It is envisaged that this would create jobs, occupy a vacant building within the town centre and customers/guests may use nearby facilities/shops. Already have short term let accommodation nearby Noted. The proposed use is appropriate to the town centre and would add to the accommodation offer of Bathgate. Should remain a commercial building Noted.”

“0311/FUL/25 The committee considered a report (copies of which had been circulated) by the Head of Planning, Economic Development and Regeneration concerning an application as follows: Application No. Proposal Recommendation 0311/FUL/25 Change of use from retail shop (Class 1a) Grant planning permission subject to…”