8.0 LAND USE and AGRICULTURE Summary Airdrie to Bathgate

Airdrie - Bathgate Railway and Linked Improvements Bill Part Four – Assessment of Environmental Effects Design Development Proposal Chapter 8 Land Use & Agriculture Environmental Statement Page 95

8.0 LAND USE AND AGRICULTURE

Summary

Airdrie to Bathgate : The line will be constructed mainly within the rail solum, which has been protected for this land use. The route follows the line of the National Cycle Network (NCN 75). Land use on either side of the route includes: • extensive areas of open ground, including agricultural land, open space/ amenity land, derelict and vacant sites; • settlements, with a range of urban land uses, including residential, commercial and institutional.

In addition to the change of use of land, which is currently the cyclepath, land is required to construct the new cyclepath, and to build new stations and upgrade existing stations, including land required for access and car parks. Construction of the railway will require the permanent occupation and a change in use of some 113 hectares of land. The extent of land use change for key land uses is noted below.

Land Use Permanent acquisition of land Permanent acquisition Total within limits of Deviation of land outwith limits (ha) LOD (ha) LLAU (ha) Residential 0.43 0.30 0.73 Farm land 26.84 2.70 29.54

Community land 2.82 0.29 3.11

Woodland 6.19 0.53 6.72 Industrial/ Commercial 3.26 1.90 5.16 Other (includes existing 62.85 5.29 68.14 cyclepath) Total 102.37 10.97 113.40

The key land use impact is the loss of the NCN 75 route and the requirement to re- align it within the route corridor. Land take for stations is in the order of 14 hectares. Additional land take will be required for new roads, footpaths, railway communications and power supply. Overall, permanent land use impacts are minor. During the construction period (October 2008 – December 2010) temporary land take will be required for 13 main construction compounds and an additional 40 smaller construction compounds. Temporary land take will also be required for working space at locations along the route where access is required for construction/ demolition work on structures including works at 26 bridges. Temporary land take accounts for some 32 hectares consisting mostly of farmland and land associated with the existing railway path, including embankments and vacant land close to the railway boundaries.

Eleven residential properties may be acquired to construct the railway line, five in Plains, five in Caldercruix and one at Bedlormie Toll. The avoidance of the loss of these properties will be investigated during the detailed design stage.

Outstanding planning consents and applications along the route include a number of significant residential development proposals whose access and amenity may be affected by the new rail line. Overall impact on land use and agriculture is considered to be minor.

Bathgate to Edinburgh: The improvement works will be undertaken mainly within the boundaries of the existing railway. Land use impacts will occur at Boghall, where a site which is currently poor quality agricultural land will be used for the relocated STVA car delivery depot, and at Livingston North and Uphall stations, where additional land is required for car parks. Bridge works at 15 locations will result in

Ironside Farrar May 2006/ 6665 Airdrie - Bathgate Railway and Linked Improvements Bill Part Four – Assessment of Environmental Effects Design Development Proposal Chapter 8 Land Use & Agriculture Environmental Statement Page 96

minor, temporary land use impacts. The extent of land use change for key land uses is noted below

Land Use Permanent acquisition Permanent acquisition of Total of land within limits of land outwith limits (ha) Deviation LOD (ha) LLAU (ha) Residential 0.04 0.00 0.04 Farm land 5.16 5.58 10.74 Community land 0.00 0.00 0.00 Woodland 0.29 0.10 0.39 Industrial/ Commercial 0.00 0.00 0.00 Other (includes existing 7.73 1.17 8.90 cyclepath) Total 13.22 6.85 20.07

8.1 Introduction

8.1.1 Environmental Scoping

The Environmental Scoping exercise, as reported in Section 5.5 of this ES Report was undertaken to:

• focus the EIA on the environmental issues and potential impacts which need the most thorough attention; • identify those which are likely to need detailed study; • identify those which are unlikely to need detailed study; and • provide an early indication of where mitigation measures are necessary.

The Scoping Exercise considered the nature of the project, the site and the environment in the context of each of the environmental factors and also drew on the knowledge of the planning authorities and consultees to allow key issues to be identified. The conclusion of the Scoping Exercise for Land Use and Agriculture was as follows:

Airdrie to Bathgate Bathgate to Edinburgh Issue requiring detailed assessment. Demolition Issue not requiring detailed assessment. No of properties, land use change, loss of agricultural significant land use changes identified, with the land and public and private open space. exception of the Vehicle Delivery Depot (Boghall), Livingston North and Uphall Stations

8.2 Methodology

A rail scheme can impact on a range of land uses affecting, for example, residential and commercial properties, development land, community land and agricultural land. Such impacts require careful consideration particularly where facilities, amenities, landscape and townscape are affected. The main aims of this chapter are to:

• address the wider implications for land use within the study corridor; • provide an account of the land use change that will occur as a result of the proposed railway; • establish the key residential, commercial, industrial and other properties which may be affected; • assess the loss of land used by the community; and • assess the effects of the rail scheme’s land take on development land.

The assessment of land use has been undertaken according to DMRB Volume 11, Section 3, Part 6, incorporating Amendment 1 August 2001. The assessment comprised:

• Desk study/ literature review: - MLURI land capability maps - Development Plans • Consultations: - West Lothian Council (WLC) - North Lanarkshire Council (NLC) - City of Edinburgh Council (CEC) - Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department (SEERAD) • Site visits: to confirm formal and informal land use

Information on land use proposals was obtained from engineering drawings for the railway, bridges, other infrastructure elements and the proposed cyclepath, produced by Jacobs Babtie and for the station proposals, drawings produced by IDP Architects. The Parliamentary Plans have also provided information on permanent and temporary land use and land take requirements, (see References).

8.3 Limitations to Assessment

SEERAD were consulted and information sought regarding land use and farm units along the route. No consultation response was received.

AIRDRIE TO BATHGATE

8.4 Baseline Conditions

The route is some 24km from Airdrie Station to the new Bathgate Station. The railway corridor is a narrow strip of land, the overall width depending on embankments and cuttings. The cyclepath follows the railway solum, except for a short offline section, south of Armadale.

8.4.1 Historical Land Use

Originally built in the 1850s, the railway carried coal, ironstone and limestone to the numerous works in the Monklands district. Along the western section of the route there are remains of old industries; quarries, coal mines and mining villages, and the current land use reflects the historical uses in the area. All of the main settlements are located to the north of the line. The line was served by stations at Plains and Caldercruix, Blackridge and Armadale. Land use in the eastern part of the route has been historically mainly agricultural, although there are a number of industrial areas associated with mining and quarrying.

8.4.2 Land Ownership

Sustrans took lease of the railway land from British Rail (BRB Residuary) upon closure of the line in the mid 1980s. Around this time Sustrans also acquired additional land to allow the path to be taken off the existing solum if required to do so by the reinstatement of the railway. In the mid 1990s Sustrans set up Railway Paths Ltd (RPL) to acquire and manage land on behalf of Sustrans throughout the UK. For the Airdrie-Bathgate section of cyclepath, Sustrans undertook an agreement with BR whereby the railway solum should remain protected for the re-opening of the rail line in the future. BRB Residuary is still the majority landowner, with only a small section of land at Bathgate owned by RPL.

8.4.3 National Cycle Network Route 75/ Airdrie to Bathgate Railway Path

The alignment of the proposed Airdrie to Bathgate section of the route is mainly within the rail solum and follows the route of the Airdrie to Bathgate Railway Path, which is part of National Cycle Network Route 75, the Clyde to Forth Cycle Route. The 22-kilometre route is currently a footpath and cyclepath and is also used, in parts, by equestrians. Sustrans has noted that the main purpose of the existing cyclepath is as a transport commuter link. In addition to its role as a long distance route forming part of the National Cycle Network, the cyclepath is also a local recreational resource. It provides links between towns and villages along the route, as well as links from these settlements to recreational facilities and to the wider countryside. For part of the route, between Clarkston and Hillend, the route is also part of the North Calder Heritage Trail, which is a key strategic footpath in North Lanarkshire.

8.4.4 Land Capability for Agriculture

The Macauley Land Use Research Institute (MLURI) Land Capability for Agriculture, Sheet 65 (1:50 000) indicates that the majority of the agricultural land along the route corridor is in Classes 4 and 5. The route crosses two small areas of land, which are classed as 3.1, Prime Quality land: to the south of Blackridge and to the south east of Armadale. The length of route in each MLURI capability class is as follows:

Class MLURI Description Approx. Length (km) Class 3.1 Capable of producing a moderate range of crops 2 Class 4 Capable of producing a narrow range of crops 7 Class 5 Capable of use as improved grassland 6 Unclassified Includes built up areas, quarries, collieries, bings 7

8.4.5 Current Land Use along the Railway Route

Table 8.1 summarises the land uses adjacent to the route.

Table 8.1 Land Use

Section of route Land use Direction from rail line • Built up area: Airdrie North & South Airdrie/ • Schools x 3 1 North, 2 South Drumgelloch • Supermarket North • Built up area: Drumgelloch North & South • Cyclepath Along route Clarkston – Plains • Built up area: Clarkston North & South • Industrial area Caldervale Forge South • Katherine Park © North • Wester Moffat Hospital South • North Calder Heritage Trail S & joins NCN75 • Wester Moffat Farm – farmland South • Gas pipeline (safety zone) North & South

• St Phillip’s School North • Built up area: Plains North • Industrial area: Plains North • Sewage Works South • Plains Countryside Park © South • Cyclepath © Along route Plains–Caldercruix • Barblues Farm farmland North • North Calder Water Crosses route • Ford & Stepend Farms – farmland South

• Sewage Works North • Disused tip North • Stables/ yard South

Table 8.1 continued

• Rockbank Farm farmland South • Easterton Farm farmland North • Bleachfield Cottages (ruins) South • North Calder Water South • Caldercruix Paper Mill Site (settling lagoons) South • Development Site (Drumbow Homes) South • Cyclepath Along route Caldercruix -Raiziehill • Built up Area: Caldercruix North & South • North Calder Water South • Development site - Limelands South • Glengowan Bowling Club (C) North • Boat Yard/ Monklands Sailing Club (C) North • Caldercruix Countryside & Nature Park (C) North • Hillend Reservoir (C) North • Owl and Trout Public House South • A & D Angling Club (clubhouse & car parks) (C) North and South • Eastercroft Nursing Home South • Nether Bracco South • Bracco Wood North & South • Hillend South • Auchengray Gatehouse North • Cyclepath (C) Along route • Forrestfield South • Gas pipeline safety zone North & South • Forrestfield Moss North • Forrestfield Wood South • Cyclepath (C) North & South Raiziehill - Blackridge • Raiziehill & Wood South • Bedlormie Toll South • Gas pipeline safety zone North & South • Entryfoot North • Mosshouse Farm farmland North • Redburn Quarry North • Bedlormie Drive (Blackridge) (150 metres) North • Standhill Farm farmland North & South • Cyclepath (C) Along route Blackridge- Armadale • 2-12 Station Road South • Westrigg Farm farmland North • Construction Industry Training Yard, Sibbalds North • Northrigg Farm farmland South • Black Moss Burn Crossed • Netherhouses Farm farmland North & South • Depot South • Properties at Station Road South • Cyclepath (C) Along route Armadale - Bathgate • Tarrareoch Farm( B&B) North • Trees Farm North & South • Teepit Hill North • Whiteside Farm -farmland North • West Mains Farm - farmland South • Whiteside Abattoir South • Children’s Playground (C) South • Whiteside Industrial Estate North • Whiteside residential area North • Built up Area: Bathgate North • Development site (Old Foundry) South Armadale - Bathgate • Bathgate Golf Course (C) South • Retail Park North • Bathgate Station North • STVA depot South

Note: C – Land used by the community (including private clubs)

8.4.6 Designated Sites

A number of sites along the rail route corridor have been designated for cultural heritage or nature conservation interest. The following sites have been identified:

• Airdrie Conservation Area, local designation • A number of Listed Buildings and archaeological sites ranging in importance from national to local • Caldercruix Lagoons SINC, local designation • Hillend Reservoir SINC, local designation • Raiziehill Moss, raised bog, SINC, local designation

These are detailed in the appropriate chapters of this ES: Chapter 10 for nature conservation sites and Chapter 11 for cultural heritage sites.

8.4.7 Planning Applications/ Outstanding Planning Consents

Both NLC and WLC have identified sites adjacent to or close to the route where potential land use change is proposed. These are sites which have been granted planning consent within the last five years. The consent therefore remains extant. They are listed in Table 8.2 below and illustrated on Figure 8.1

Table 8.2 Outstanding Planning Consents/ Applications - NLC and WLC

Application/ Location Status Comment North Lanarkshire 1. Residential Development (outline) Land Pending Decision Granted Subject to Section 75 North of 2-48 Dunrobin Road, Airdrie Legal Agreement. See no. 2. Ref. 04/02012/OUT Northern boundary adjacent to railway 2. Residential Development, Erection of 41 Pending See no. 1 detached dwelling houses. Land North of Consideration 2-48 Dunrobin Road, Airdrie. Ref. 05/02005/FUL 3. Change of Roof including timber cladding Planning permission More than 100m from railway to dormer windows (Amendment to granted 18.05.2005 Planning Permission 04/00927/FUL) 15 Dunrobin Road, Airdrie Ref. 05/00589/AMD 4. Erection of Conservatory to Rear, 30 Planning permission More than 100m from railway Towers Road, Airdrie granted 11.06.2004 Ref. 04/00666/FUL 5. Erection of Conservatory to Dwelling Planning permission More than 100m from railway house, 13 Moffat Place, Airdrie granted 30.07.2004 Ref. 04/01141/FUL 6. Demolition of existing St Philips school Planning permission Development completed. New and erection of new school and assoc. granted 14.06.01 School Buildings Approx. 50m buildings. 6.7 ha site. Plains from Rail Line Ref. 01/00373/FUL 7. Change of Use of Industrial Land to Planning permission No Detailed Application. Residential (In Outline) Express Dairies, granted 26.07.05 50 Main Street, Plains Ref. 05/01029/OUT 8. Erection of Conservatory to Side of Planning permission More than 100m from railway Dwelling house, 5 Main Street, Plains granted 21.02.05 Ref. 04/02261/FUL

Table 8.2 continued

Application/ Location Status Comment North Lanarkshire continued 9. Erection of Single Storey Rear Extension Planning permission More than 100m from railway to Dwelling house, 9 Main Street, Plains granted 08.07.05 Ref. 05/01020/FUL 10. Erection of Single Storey Dwelling house, Planning permission More than 100m from railway 27 Main Street, Plains refused 21.03.05 Ref. 05/00059/FUL 11. Alterations to roof to accommodate Loft Planning permission More than 100m from railway Extension, 111-113 Main Street, Plains granted 29.07.2004 Ref. 04/01022/FUL 12. Erection of Side Extension to Form Planning permission More than 100m from railway Licensed Bookmakers and External granted 25.07.05 Alterations to Existing Public House (The Stable Inn) 159 Main Street Plains Ref. 05/00909/FUL 13. Erection of dwelling house (outline) Planning permission Site is approx. 300m south of Stepends Garage, Plains granted 09.08.04 rail line. Development completed Ref. 03/00938/OUT 14. Alterations to forge building to form house Planning Permission More than 100m from railway on 0.5 ha site. Barblues Farm refused 29.07.03 Ref. 03/00750/OUT 15. Erection of dwelling house and stables Planning permission Northern boundary of site (outline), Land west of 180 Airdrie Road, Refused 16.12.03 adjoins railway line along Caldercruix 500m length. No new Ref. 03/01389/OUT applications. 16 Proposed Two Storey Side Extension to Planning permission More than 100m from railway Dwelling house, Rockbank Cottage, 168 granted 08.09.05 Airdrie Road, Caldercruix Ref. 05/01254/FUL 17. Erection of house, Plot 8, Station Road Planning permission Complete. House within Caldercruix granted 01.07.03 approx. 15m of rail line. Ref. 03/00765/FUL 18. Erection of house, Plot 7, Station Road, Planning permission Complete. House within Caldercruix granted 22.07.03 approx. 15m of rail line. Ref. 03/00832/FUL 19. Erection of house, Plot 13, Station Road Planning permission Complete. House within Caldercruix granted 24.07.03 approx. 15m of rail line. Ref. 03/00859/FUL 20. Alteration to house type, Plot 13 Station Planning permission House within 15 m of rail line Road, Caldercruix (Amendment to granted 25.02.04. permission 03/00859/FUL) Ref. 04/00091/AMD

21. Erection of Dwelling house, Plot 11 Home Planning permission Development Ongoing. More Farm, Station Road, Caldercruix granted 07.09.05 than 20 metres north of rail line Ref. 05/01101/FUL

22. Erection of 17 Dwelling houses (Phase 5) Planning permission Development Ongoing. More (Reserved Matters) Home Farm, Station granted 02.11.05 than 20 metres north of rail Road, Caldercruix line Ref. 05/01580/REM

Table 8.2 continued

Application/ Location Status Comment North Lanarkshire 23. Erection of Dwelling house, Plot 11 Home Planning permission Development Ongoing. More Farm, Station Road, Caldercruix granted 12.09.05 than 20 metres north of rail line Ref. 05/01101/FUL 24 Erection of Dwelling house, Plot 27, Planning permission Development Ongoing. More Home Farm, Station Road Caldercruix granted 19.09.05 than 20 metres north of rail line Ref. 05/01197/FUL

25. Erection of Dwelling house, Plot 28, Planning permission Development Ongoing. More Home Farm, Station Road, Caldercruix granted, 18.08.05 than 20 metres north of rail line Ref. 05/01195/FUL 26. Rear conservatory to dwelling house 4 Planning permission More than 200 metres north Roselea, Caldercruix granted 02.11.04 of rail line Ref. 04/01623/FUL 27. Residential development. 6.3 ha site Planning permission Tuskar Developments site. (outline) North of Airdrie Road, granted 20.08.03 Former paper mill site. Caldercruix Northern boundary adjoins rail Ref. 03/00566/OUT line along 400m length See no. 28. 28. Erection of 109 dwelling houses and Planning permission Drumbow Homes Site. associated access road. Land North of granted 11.05.05 Former paper mill site. 57-175 Airdrie Road, Caldercruix Northern boundary along Ref. 04/01879/FUL railway line. Development Ongoing. See no. 27. 29. Residential development. 3.6 ha site Planning permission Limelands site. Northern (outline) S & W of Main St, Caldercruix granted 11.12.02 boundary along railway. See No. 30. Ref. 02/01421/OUT 30. Residential Development, Erection of 112 Planning permission Limelands Site. Northern dwelling houses. Land S & W of Main granted 07.12.04 boundary along 300m of Street, Caldercruix. railway line. Development Ref. 03/01304/REM Ongoing. See no. 29. 31. Joint Campus Primary School and Planning permission More than 100 metres from Floodlit Multi-Purpose Pitch, Former granted 28.06.04 railway Development Glengowan Primary School, Drumfin Complete. Avenue, Caldercruix Ref. 04/00995/FUL 32. Part Change of Use From Public House Planning permission More than 100 metres from to Dwelling house and Erection of granted 18.01.05 railway Development Detached Garage 67-69 Main Street, Complete. Caldercruix Ref. 04/02069/FUL 33. Change of Use of Shop to Hot Food Planning permission More than 100 metres from Takeaway, 224 Main Street, Caldercruix granted 12.05.04 railway Ref. 04/00404/FUL 34 Erection of 3 Dwelling houses (Outline) Refused 04.01.06 No New Applications. More Land South of 47 Airdrie Road, Hillend, than 100 metres south of rail Caldercruix Ref. 05/01740/OUT line 35. Change of use of barn to manufacturing Planning Permission Parts of site north and south of unit and visitor centre. 0.8 ha site, granted by Scottish rail line. Vehicle bridge Raiziehill Farm Ministers, 8.06.04 connecting two parts. Ref. 02/01010/FUL

Table 8.2 continued

Application/ Location Status Comment West Lothian 1. 7.1 ha site for proposed residential Current Application Southern boundary of site development, (Drumbow Homes) Received 3.09.03 adjoins the rail line. Currently Blackridge under construction Ref. 0968/03 2. 0.9 ha site for residential development Outline planning Northern boundary of site (East of Harthill Rd) Blackridge permission granted adjoins the rail line 02.09.03 Ref. 0770/03 3. Site for 2 residential plots + woodland Outline planning Southern boundary along (East of Westcraigs Rd) Blackridge permission granted railway. 30m closest to railway 27.03.00 to be woodland. Houses in north of section. Ref. 0861/P/99 Planning permission 4. Proposed residential development granted 21.10.03 Southern boundary of site (bungalow) for Plot 2, Westcraigs Rd, Ref. 0936/03 approx. 110m north of rail line (Westcraigs Road) Blackridge 5. Blackridge, Westcraigs Road, (Vacant Permission Granted Plot is to north of rail line Plot 1). Erection of House 24.08.04 Ref. 0935/04 6. Blackridge, Erection of 246 houses with Registered 24.03.06 Southern boundary of site garages and 54 flats including new adjacent to rail line vehicular access and ground works Ref. 0285/06 7. Standhill Farm, Armadale. Erection of a Permission Granted Site is adjacent to northern 20.02.06 540sqm accommodation building boundary of railway Ref. 1172/05 8. Standhill Farm. Erection of a 162sqm Permission Granted Site is adjacent to northern plant training facility. 26.05.05 boundary of railway

Ref. 1515/04 9. Outline Planning application for residential Received 22.10.02 Southern boundary of Site A development for three sites (A, B, C) adjoins the rail line. Southern (Cappers, Lower Bathville), Armadale Ref. 1071/02 boundary of Site B adjoins the rail. Northern boundary of Site C adjoins rail line 10. Cappers Farm Cottage, Station Road, Permission Granted Cottage is located to south of Armadale. Extension to house. 05.11.04 rail line Ref. 1103/H/04 11. Proposed Quarry extension (Caradale Date on drawing Southern boundary lies 150 Brickworks) Armadale 26.11.02. metres north of rail line 12. Alleged breach of planning control relating N/A Northern boundary of site to open cast restoration (Opencast site) adjoins the rail line along 300 West Mains metre length 13. Industrial development at West Mains Outline planning Northern boundary of site Farm, Bathgate. Reserve matters permission. adjoins the rail line application for buildings undetermined. (Sibcas Ltd) West Mains Ref. 1452/03 14. Whitburn Road, Bathgate. Outline Undetermined Northern boundary of site planning permission for a 4.5ha adjoins rail line residential development. Ref. 0313/05

15. Detailed planning application for Received 3.11.03. Southern boundary of site residential development. Blocks of flats adjoins the rail line accommodating 122 people. (Factory Ref. 1226/03 Road, Caledonia Homes) Bathgate

Table 8.2 continued

Application/ Location Status Comment West Lothian 16. Wester Inch, Bathgate. 1800 houses and All Undetermined Site access off B702, adjacent mixed use development. Variations and Refs: 0008/05, to rail line -north west corner of Phase 2 1102/05, 1246/05, site 1072/04, 1073/04 Outline Permission Granted 28.01.03 Ref. 0972/P/01 17. Detailed application for retail & residential Received WLC Rail line crosses northern development, with associated access. 9.10.03. edge of site. Site to be split (Edgar Allen/ Mowlem Ltd) Bathgate Ref 1119/03 into two sections: retail/ Ref 119/P/03 commercial ( in northern part) Permission granted and residential (in south) 10.03.04 18. Change of use from filling station to car Refused. Further Southern boundary of site lies wash (in retrospect) Bathgate application expected 50 metres north of rail line. 19. Bathgate Station Carpark Permission Granted Adjacent to rail line at 24.05.05 Bathgate Station

Ref. 1389/NID/04

8.5 Assessment of Impacts

8.5.1 Land Take

Permanent Land Take

The proposed railway is to be constructed mainly on the existing rail solum, which is currently used as the Airdrie to Bathgate Cyclepath. The existing cyclepath route will be lost to the scheme. Permanent land take will be required for the following:

• Stations and associated car parks and accesses; • Two minor deviations from the existing rail solum at Armadale where land loss will occur; • Relocated cyclepath; • Structures associated with the railway line including: new and replacement bridges, new roads and footpaths, new cyclepath, stations, car parks, electricity feeder stations, telecommunications masts, relocation of sculptures; and • Light maintenance depot at Bathgate.

As defined in the Parliamentary Plans lodged with the Bills, land will be acquired for the construction of the railway as follows: Limits of Deviation (LOD) - Area within which the Airdrie Bathgate Railway and Linked Improvements Project may be constructed.

Limits of Land Acquired or Used (LLAU) - Area which can be used temporarily or permanently for specified purposes connected with the Airdrie Bathgate Railway and Linked Improvements Project (eg: Temporary Construction Compounds) but not for the authorised works. Table 8.3, identifies the areas of land take for each of the key land uses affected, based on Issue 10 of the Parliamentary Plans, (see References).

Table 8.3 Summary of Permanent Land Take

Permanent acquisition of Permanent acquisition of Land Use land within limits of land outwith limits LLAU Total (ha) Deviation LOD (ha) (ha Residential 0.43 0.30 0.73 Farm land 26.84 2.70 29.54 Community land 2.82 0.29 3.11 Woodland 6.19 0.53 6.72 Industrial/ Commercial 3.26 1.90 5.16 Other (includes 62.85 5.29 68.14 existing cyclepath) Total 102.39 11.01 113.40

Notes: [1] Land uses and areas are based on plot descriptions on Parliamentary Plan Schedules [2] All land take figures are approximate. [3] Includes parks, school grounds, country parks and golf course land [4] Includes mainly the existing railway path and embankments, but also roads, verges, bridges and open land

The total permanent land take figure of some 113 hectares, represents the worst case scenario for land take for the following reasons:

• All plot boundaries are drawn to ensure adequate availability of land to undertake the works. The plot sizes are, therefore, likely to be larger than the area which will be required for the scheme. Permanent land use change is not likely to occur over the whole of each plot.

• Not all areas permanently acquired will experience permanent land use change. Some areas will revert to their previous use on completion of the works. For example: part of Plains Countryside Park is included for permanent acquisition. However, on completion of the works, the land will be reinstated and returned to its previous community use. This land use change will not be permanent.

The final land take for the scheme is likely to be significantly lower than 113 hectares.

Permanent land take for stations totals some 14 hectares, as noted in Table 8.4 below.

Table 8.4 Permanent Land Take Impacts at Stations

Station Current Land Use Land Take Impact (ha) Airdrie Car park (existing station) - Negligible Drumgelloch New Vacant land 1.90 Moderate Caldercruix West Vacant land (derelict site & SINC) 2.90 Moderate Armadale Farmland 2.80 Moderate Bathgate Industrial land 2.10 Moderate Vehicle Delivery Depot / access 4.30 Total 14.00ha

Notes: Land loss includes land for buildings, car parks and pedestrian and vehicular access Land take at stations includes both LOD and LLAU land.

8.5.1.1 Agricultural Land

Although the route crosses two areas of prime quality agricultural land, south of Blackridge and east of Armadale, no agricultural land is affected at this location as

the rail line is within the existing solum. Approximately 27 hectares of agricultural land will be lost to the scheme. All of the agricultural land loss is of relatively small areas of less than 1.0 hectare and is of capability Classes 3 2, 4 and 5. Loss of agricultural land to the scheme is minor - moderate.

8.5.1.2 Designated Sites

Impacts on the land use of designated sites is as follows:

Airdrie Conservation Area: No land use impacts

Cultural heritage and archaeological No land use impacts on any sites of high statutory sites: sensitivity.

Caldercruix SINC: Three of the five lagoons and associated habitats will be lost to a new station, car park and access. The issue of the loss of the SINC is the subject of on-going consultations. The SINC is also a contaminated site and there may be a requirement to de-contaminate the two western most lagoons.

Raiziehill Moss SINC SINC is bisected by the railway and the new cyclepath. New cycle and pedestrian access arrangements at Blackridge will result in the loss of some 0.2km 2 of the SINC.

Hillend Reservoir SINC: The scheme includes new access and fishing arrangements but will not result in any significant land use change.

8.5.1.3 Buildings to be Acquired

A total of 11 residential properties may require to be acquired to enable the construction of the railway line. These are:

• 9 Station Road, Plains • 178, 178A, 180 & 182 Main Street, Plains • 4, 6 & 8 Millstream Crescent, Caldercruix • 18 & 20 Millstream Crescent, Caldercruix • Bedlormie Toll Cottage

During the detailed design stage, engineering solutions will be sought to avoid the need to acquire the above properties. The loss of the above 11 properties represents the worst case for reporting in the Environmental Assessment.

In addition, four properties at 10, 12, 14 and 16 Millstream Crescent, Caldercruix are located in close proximity to the proposed railway line and are likely to experience significant adverse environmental impact, particularly in terms of noise and visual impact. During the detailed design stage, further consideration will be given to minimise the environmental impact of the operation of the railway on these properties. Depending on the level and significance of the impact on these properties, further consideration will be given to the need to acquire these properties at the detailed design stage.

The existing Bathgate Station will be demolished and the site redeveloped. The STVA vehicle delivery depot is located to the south of the rail line. This site, of some 3.0 ha, which is mainly hardstanding, will become site of the relocated Bathgate Station and the new light maintenance depot.

8.5.1.4 Development Land

A number of housing development sites and are located close to the proposed railway, within the villages of Caldercruix, Blackridge, Armadale and in Bathgate.

North Lanarkshire Council has noted 35 sites, and West Lothian Council has noted 19 sites as listed in Table 8.2. The list includes a number of residential developments, which, if developed, would result in a significant number of additional dwellings in close proximity to the railway. For sites which are developed before the rail line, some environmental changes are likely to occur as a result of the rail line construction and operation. Potential adverse impacts would include: noise, vibration (if within 20m of rail line), disruption to access/temporary severance during construction, landscape and visual impacts. Impacts on development sites are noted in relevant chapters of the Environmental Statement. It should also be noted that the provision of stations at Caldercruix, and Armadale, would result in beneficial socio- economic impacts for a number of the proposed residential development sites.

For sites that are developed after the railway is reopened, it would be necessary to consider the baseline conditions as with the reopened railway in place. It would also be necessary to ensure that the reopened railway is protected from any adverse impacts resulting from the developments, eg flooding and safety issues.

The potential impacts on the identified sites with planning consent or awaiting a decision are noted in Table 8.5 below.

Table 8.5 Impacts on Development Land

Application Potential Impact North Lanarkshire 1/2. 41 detached houses. Land North of 2-48 Dunrobin Road, Noise/ vibration Airdrie. Landscape/ visual 3. Change of Roof/ dormer windows 15 Dunrobin Road, Airdrie None 4. Conservatory, 30 Towers Road, Airdrie None 5. Conservatory, 13 Moffat Place, Airdrie None 6. Demolition of existing St Philips school and erection of new Noise/ vibration school and assoc. buildings, Plains Landscape/ visual 7. Change of Use of Industrial to Residential (In Outline), 50 Access Main Street, Plains 8. Conservatory, 5 Main Street, Plains None 9. Rear Extension, 9 Main Street, Plains None 10. Single Storey house, 27 Main Street, Plains None 11. Roof Alterations, 111-113 Main Street, Plains None 12. Side Extension, The Stable Inn, 159 Main Street Plains None 13. Dwelling house (outline) Stepends Garage, Plains None 14. Alterations to forge building to form house, Barblues Farm Planning permission refused 15. House and stables (outline) land west of 180 Airdrie Road, Planning permission refused Caldercruix 16. Extension, Rockbank Cottage, 168 Airdrie Road, Caldercruix None

Table 8.5 continued

Application Potential Impact North Lanarkshire Noise/ vibration 17. Plot 8, Home Farm, Caldercruix Landscape/ visual Noise/ vibration 18. Plot 7, Home Farm, Caldercruix Landscape/ visual Noise/ vibration 19. Plot 13, Home Farm, Caldercruix Landscape/ visual 20. Alteration to house type, Plot 13, Home Farm, Caldercruix See 19 Noise/ vibration 21. Plot 11 Home Farm, Caldercruix Landscape/ visual Noise/ vibration 22. 17 Houses (Phase 5) Home Farm Caldercruix Landscape/ visual Noise/ vibration 23. Plot 11 Home Farm, Caldercruix Landscape/ visual Noise/ vibration 24. Plot 27 Home Farm, Caldercruix Landscape/ visual Noise/ vibration 25. Plot 28 Home Farm Station Road Caldercruix Landscape/ visual 26. Conservatory, 4 Roselea Caldercruix None 27/28. 109 houses and access road. Land North of 57-175 Airdrie Noise/ vibration Road Caldercruix Landscape/ visual Noise/ vibration 29/30. 112 houses. S & W of Main Street, Caldercruix. Landscape/ visual 31. Joint Campus Primary School, Drumfin Avenue, Caldercruix None 32. Change of Use, Garage 67-69 Main Street, Caldercruix None 33. Change of Use, Shop to Hot Food Takeaway, 224 Main None Street, Caldercruix 34. 3 houses (Outline) Land South of 47 Airdrie Road, Hillend Planning Permission refused 35. Change of use, barn to manufacturing unit and visitor Noise/ vibration centre, Raiziehill Farm Landscape/ visual

West Lothian 1. 7.1 ha site for residential development, Blackridge Noise/ vibration Landscape/ visual 2. 0.9 ha site for residential development, Blackridge Noise/ vibration Landscape/ visual 3. 2 residential plots, Blackridge Noise/ vibration Landscape/ visual 4. Residential development, Blackridge Noise/ vibration Landscape/ visual 5. House Plot, Westcraigs Road, Blackridge Noise/ vibration Landscape/ visual 6. Residential development, 300 houses/flats, Blackridge Noise/ vibration Landscape/ visual 7. Standhill Farm, accommodation building None 8. Standhill Farm, training facility None 9. Residential development for three sites (A, B, C), Armadale Noise/ vibration Landscape/ visual 10. House extension. Cappers Farm cottage None 11. Quarry extension, Armadale None

Table 8.5 continued

Application Potential Impact West Lothian 12. Opencast site (breach of planning control), West Mains None 13. Industrial development at West Mains Farm None 14. 4.5 ha residential development Noise/ vibration Landscape/ visual 15. Residential development, Bathgate Noise/ vibration Landscape/ visual 16. 1800 houses and mixed use development- Wester Inch None 17. Retail & residential development, Bathgate Access, noise, vibration 18. Change of use from filling station to car wash (in retrospect), None Bathgate 19. Bathgate Station Carpark None

Notes: 1. Potential noise and vibration impacts are identified for properties less than 20 metres from the rail line. Chapter 13.0 provides details of noise and vibration impacts. 2. Developments in Caldercruix (NLC 15–33) will benefit from access to public transport at Caldercruix Station 3. Developments in Armadale (WLC 9) will benefit from access to public transport at Armadale Station

Overall, the impact of the scheme on existing buildings and development land is minor, with potential to be moderate in cases where properties are located very close to the proposed railway.

8.5.1.5 Land Used by the Community

The proposed railway will result in the loss of a number of areas of land used by the community. The existing Railway Path, which is a right of way, will be replaced along its entire length. Other paths and rights of way will be diverted and alternative routes created. Footpaths and rights of way are discussed in detail in Chapter 12.0: Pedestrians, Equestrians, Cyclists and Community Effects. Impacts on community land, as listed in Table 8.2, are noted in Table 8.6 below.

Table 8.6 Impacts on Community Land

Community Land Impact Significance Cyclepath The existing cyclepath will be lost to the scheme over most Moderate of its route. Sundial: at the western The site of the sundial will become isolated from the new Negligible end of the existing cyclepath. It is proposed to relocate the sundial to a site cyclepath close to the new cyclepath route. Katherine Park: There will be no permanent land take at Katherine Park. Minor including play area, The cyclepath follows the northern boundary of the park. bowling green and pitches Plains Countryside Park Some 100 square metres on the north side of the park will Moderate be permanently lost to the scheme for the construction of the pedestrian/cyclist bridge over the railway line and the new access road to Ford Farm, Loadmanford and Ford Forge. Some 4,500 square metres will be temporarily lost for working space during construction. This area will be restored on completion of the construction works in Plains. Glengowan Bowing No land use impacts. None Club

Community Land Impact Significance Monklands Sailing The Sailing Club will not be directly affected by the Minor Club: located at the proposals. The cyclepath route passes to the south of the south west corner of clubhouse. Hillend Loch.

Caldercruix Countryside No land use impacts. None & Nature Park Airdrie and District Alternative access to the clubhouse via a pedestrian bridge Minor - Angling Club: includes and a new vehicle access on reclaimed land along the south Moderate clubhouse facilities, shore of Hillend Loch, joining the A89 via the existing lochshore and access underbridge at Auchengray Gatehouse. Provision of fishing platforms Children’s play area: Adjacent to the new pedestrian overbridge. Access will be Minor Whiteside maintained, but some severance for local community Bathgate Golf Course A small area of land along the northern boundary of the golf Minor course will be lost to the railway. No holes or facilities are affected.

8.5.2 Temporary Land take

During the construction period, temporary use of land will be required for access and storage for plant and materials and for construction activities along and adjacent to the route. Thirteen main construction compounds will result in the temporary loss of some 20 hectares of land, see Table 8.7. In addition there will be a further some 40 smaller areas required for temporary works and access, which together account for a further 2.6 hectares of temporary land take. All of these sites will be reinstated to their former use at the end of the construction period .

Table 8.7 Temporary Land take for Main Construction Compounds

Construction compound location Plot No. Area (ha) 1 Stepends Farm, Plains 188 0.82 2 Rockbank Farm, Caldercruix 239 0.68 3 Caldercruix Station 254A 0.47 4 North of Hillend Road, Caldercruix 304A, 305A 3.62 5 Forrestfield Wood 407 2.29 6 Redburn Quarry 479/462A 1.53 7 Standhill Farm, Blackridge 508 0.97 8 Barbauchlaw Burn 553 2.20 9 Netherhouses and Westfield Farm 600/604 2.23 10 Tarrareoch Farm, Armadale 628 1.76 11 Tarrareoch Farm 654 2.61 12 East of Whitburn Road, Bathgate 727 0.87 13 Bathgate Station 781 0.44 Total Area of construction compounds 20.49

In addition, an area of some 1.9 hectares, consisting of the two westerly lagoons west of the Caldercruix Station car park site, which are identified by NLC as a site with high risk of contamination and also as a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation, have been identified for possible ground treatment.

There will be temporary land use impacts at locations along the route where construction works will be undertaken at bridges. These are detailed in Chapter 16, Disruption due to Construction.

The extent of temporary land take for key existing land uses is summarised in Table 8.8 below:

Table 8.8 Summary of Temporary Land Take

Acquisition of Temporary Temporary Land Use [1] Rights Acquisition of Possession Total LLAU [2] Rights [2] LLAU [2] Residential - - 0.03 0.03 Farm land 0.70 - 15.56 16.26 Community land [3] - - 0.00 0.00 Woodland - - 1.20 1.20 Industrial/Commercial - - 0.12 0.12 Other [4] 4.39 0.37 9.74 14.50

Total 5.09 0.37 26.65 32.11

8.6 Mitigation Measures

Mitigation measures to minimise the land use impacts of the proposals can be summarised as follows:

• Provide of an alternative, three metre wide cycle and footpath along entire route, with appropriate crossings, and following the existing route as closely as possible; • To minimise impacts on agricultural land use: maintain field accesses, provide crossings over new railway and provide stock proof fencing; • Where development land is developed before the railway, include mitigation provisions to minimise noise/ vibration impacts, where required; • Reinstate all areas of temporary land take on completion of the works; • Road and rail alignments and built development designed to minimise the need for demolitions; • In consultation with North Lanarkshire Council, identify appropriate resolution of land use impacts at Caldercruix Lagoons (former paper mill site); and • In consultation with North Lanarkshire Council, identify appropriate measures to minimise land use impacts at Plains Country Park. • Provide alternative access/ car parking and fishing platforms at Hillend Loch to maintain level of recreational use.

8.7 Residual Effects

The Airdrie-Bathgate railway and linked improvements proposals would result in some 113 hectares of permanent land take, including the loss of the existing railway path. As the rail line itself is almost entirely within the existing solum, the additional land take for the railway line, required to accommodate minor off-line deviations to allow the alignment to meet current standards, will be minimal. The permanent land take would be required for new stations and their associated car parks, accesses and

ramps/ bridges. All land which is temporarily acquired for construction, will be reinstated to its former condition.

8.8 Summary and Conclusions

The construction of the railway within the rail solum reduces significantly the potential for land use impacts. The key land use impact is the loss of the NCN 75 route and the requirement to re-align it within the route corridor. The permanent land use impact of this realignment is minor, as it is constructed either adjacent to the existing line, on existing off-line paths, or on existing rural roads. Direct land use impacts are minor. Additional land take will be required to construct new stations and upgrade existing stations. Land take for stations is approximately 14 hectares a which is considered to be a minor impact.

Outstanding planning consents and applications along the route, include a number of significant residential development proposals whose access and amenity may be affected by the new rail line. Many of these applications are outline and details have not been finalised. Further assessment will be required when more information is available.

Overall, the land use impacts from Airdrie to Bathgate are summarised in Table 8.9 below:

Table 8.9 Summary of Land Use Impacts

Receptor Impact Impact magnitude Impact significance sensitivity Relocation of footpath/ Moderate-major Moderate Moderate cyclepath (NCN 75) Development land Minor-moderate Moderate Minor-moderate Community Land Minor -moderate Moderate Minor-moderate Construction impacts: disruption Negligible-minor Moderate Minor-moderate to access, land loss etc Permanent land loss at stations Minor Minor Minor Loss of Prime Quality land None None None Field severance & access Minor Moderate Minor Farm unit viability Minor Minor Minor Building acquisition Minor Major Moderate

Land use impact, from Airdrie to Bathgate, is considered to be minor to moderate.

BATHGATE TO EDINBURGH

8.9 Introduction - Bathgate to Edinburgh

As the rail line between Bathgate and Edinburgh is already in operation, the main land use impacts will be in the vicinity of the stations. The Environmental Scoping exercise (reported in Chapter 5.0) noted that the redoubling and electrification of the Bathgate to Edinburgh section of the route will not result in any significant, permanent impacts on land use, except at the STVA vehicle delivery depot, Livingston North station and Uphall Station.

There will be temporary land use impacts at locations along the route where construction works will be undertaken at bridges. These are detailed in Chapter 16, Disruption due to Construction.

8.9.1 Permanent Land Take

The rail improvements will be undertaken on the existing operational line. Permanent land take will be required for the following:

• Stations improvements and associated car parks and accesses; and • STVA Vehicle Delivery Depot.

As defined in the Parliamentary Plans lodged with the Bills, (and as for the Airdrie to Bathgate section of the route) land will be acquired for the works as follows: Limits of Deviation (LOD) - Area within which the Airdrie Bathgate Railway and Linked Improvements Project may be constructed.

Limits of Land Acquired or Used (LLAU) - Area which can be used temporarily or permanently for specified purposes connected with the Airdrie Bathgate Railway and Linked Improvements Project (eg: Temporary Construction Compounds) but not for the authorised works. Table 8.10 identifies the areas of land take for each of the key land uses affected.

Table 8.10 Summary of Permanent Land Take

Permanent acquisition of Permanent acquisition of Total Land Use land within limits of land outwith limits LLAU (ha) Deviation LOD (ha) (ha) Residential 0.04 0 0.04 Farm land 5.16 5.58 10.74 Community land 0.00 0.00 0.00 Woodland 0.29 0.10 0.39 Industrial/ Commercial 0.00 0.00 0.00 Other (includes 7.73 1.17 8.9 existing cyclepath) Total 13.22 6.85 20.07

Notes: [1] Land uses and areas are based on plot descriptions on Parliamentary Plan Schedule [2] All land take figures are approximate. . [3] Includes parks, school grounds, country parks and golf course land [4] Includes land adjacent to the existing railway and embankments, but also roads, verges and open land

The total permanent land take figure is some 20 hectares which includes some 5 hectares of agricultural land. This represents the worst case scenario for land take for reasons as noted in 8.5.1. Land take at stations accounts for approximately 3.0 hectares of the 20 hectare total permanent land take, as noted in Table 8.11.

Table 8.11 Permanent Land Take Impacts at Stations

Land Take Station Current Land Use Impact (sq m) Livingston North Car park (existing station) 0.15 Negligible Uphall Vacant land/ woodland 2.70 Moderate Total 2.85 Notes: Land loss includes land for buildings, car parks and pedestrian and vehicular access Land take at stations includes both LOD and LLAU land.

8.9.2 Temporary Land take

During the construction period, temporary use of land will be required for access and storage for plant and materials and for construction activities along and adjacent to the route. All of these sites will be reinstated to their former use at the end of the construction period. Twelve sites have been identified for the main construction compounds, as noted in Table 8.12.

Table 8.12 Temporary Land take for Main Construction Compounds

Construction compound Current Land use Plot Nos. Area (ha) location 14 Deans Farmland 889 0.85 15 Livingston North Station Farmland 906,907 0.50 16 Knightsridge West Road Farmland/ Scrub 922A 0.45 17 Deer Park and Loan Path Farm/ woodland 943, 955 0.50 18 Houston Industrial Estate Farmland 984,987 0.45 19 Drumshoreland Farmland 1008, 1015 0.65 20 Calder Water crossing Farmland 1022, 1024, 0.60 1032, 1034 21 Hillwood Spoil Heap/ Training Site 1046 0.65 22 Norton Mains Farmland 1053, 1057, 2.40 1061, 1065, 1069 23 Roddinglaw Farmland 1070, 1071, 3.33 1073, 1080 24 Gogar Station Road Farmland 1084, 1091 1.10 25 Fairview Farmland 1095, 1102 0.55 Total area of main construction compounds (Bathgate to Edinburgh ) 12.03

A total area of some 12 hectares will be required for the 12 main construction compounds. More than 140 smaller working areas together account for a further 5 hectares of temporary land take.

The extent of temporary land take for key existing land uses is summarised in Table 8.13.

Table 8.13 Summary of Temporary Land Take

Acquisition of Temp. acquisition Temporary Land Use [1] Total Rights LLAU [2] of Rights [2] Possession LLAU [2] Residential - - 0.04 0.04 Farm land - - 6.35 6.35 Community land [3] - - 0.46 0.46 Woodland - - 1.62 1.62 Industrial/Commercial - - 0.27 0.27 Other [4] 3.55 0.04 8.43 12.02 Total 3.55 0.04 17.17 20.76

Notes: [1] Land uses and areas are based on plot descriptions on Parliamentary Plan Schedule [2] All land take figures are approximate. . [3] Includes parks, school grounds, country parks and golf course land [4] Includes mainly land adjacent to the existing railway and embankments, but also roads, verges and open land

The total temporary land take figure is some 20 hectares which includes some 6 hectares of agricultural land. This represents the worst case scenario for land take for reasons as noted in 8.5.1.

8.9.3 Development Land

West Lothian Council has identified sites adjacent to or close to the route where potential land use change is proposed. These are sites which have been granted planning consent within the last five years. The consent therefore remains extant. They are listed in Table 8.14, together with potential impacts, and their locations illustrated on Figure 8.1.

Table 8.14 Outstanding Planning Consents/ Applications - WLC

Application/ Location Status Comment Impacts 20. Edinburgh Road, Permission Boundary of site is some Close to existing Bathgate. Erection of 3 Granted 02.02.06 50 metres north of rail operational No. 4-storey blocks line railway. No containing 24 flats in total Ref. 0933/05 significant change 21. Blackburn Road, Bathgate. Permission Boundary of site is some Close to existing Outline planning Granted 10.11.04 20 metres north of rail operational permission for the erection line railway. No of 16 flats and associated Ref. 0292/P/04 significant change works 22. Pyramids Business Park, Permission Site is to west of Boghall None Easter Inch. Formation of Granted 19.07.04 (STVA depot site) and 225 additional car parking some 300 metres south spaces Ref. 0618/04 of rail line 23. Erection of 56 houses with Permission Southern boundary of Close to existing associated works. Deans Granted 11.11.05 site adjacent to rail line operational South, Livingston railway. No Ref. 1149/05 significant change 24. Deans North Road, Permission Livingston Station car None Carmondean, Livingston. Granted 27.9.04 park Construction of a 217 no. space public car park Ref. 0976/NID/04 25. Unit 4, Nettlehill Road, Permission Site is located to south None Houstoun Industrial Estate, Granted 16.07.04 of rail line Livingston. 2.4m high security fence, generator Ref. 0584/04 and bunded fuel tank and extension of existing office facility. 26. Land at Roman Camp, Application North of M8. More than Close to existing Broxburn undetermined 100 metres from rail line operational railway. No Ref 1259/04. significant change 27. Land at Roman Lodge Permission granted Northern boundary of Close to existing Meadows. Broxburn. 08/09/05 site some 20 metres operational Erection of house and from rail line railway. No livery/ stables Ref 0622/04 significant change

As noted in Table 8.14, the railway improvement proposals do not result in any significant impacts on development land.

8.9.4 STVA Vehicle Delivery Depot

8.9.4.1 Baseline

The site of the relocated STVA depot is to the south of Boghall, on a 9.2 hectare site, bounded by the Bathgate – Edinburgh railway, the M8 and Starlaw Road. The site is currently used for grazing and is relatively flat. The MLURI land classification is Class 4 and Class 5, due to wetness limitations. The Bog Burn crosses the site from the south west to the north east. The Pyramids Business Park is to the west of the site.

8.9.4.2 Impact Assessment

The proposed facility will have a new rail connection constructed together with rail sidings, internal roads, car parking for approximately 1320 cars and fencing. The facility would have a small office, gatehouse and amenity block with a new road connection to an existing business park road, giving access to the A7066. The development of the depot will result in the permanent loss of an area of 9.2 hectares of Class 4 and 5 agricultural land. This land is of low capability for agriculture and its loss is considered to be of minor significance.

8.9.4.3 Mitigation

No land use mitigation will be required. Landscape mitigation will be required and is discussed in Chapter 9.

8.9.5 Livingston North Station

8.9.5.1 Baseline

Livingston North is an existing station with car parks both north and south of the railway line.

8.9.5.2 Proposals

The proposed changes at Livingston North Station are as follows:

• Track doubling and associated slewing requires demolition of the existing platform and waiting shelter and the stair and access ramps; and • new flank platforms, DDA access. Car park with 322 spaces including 12 disabled spaces (current parking for 310 vehicles).

8.9.5.3 Impact Assessment

Small areas of land will be used for temporary work space, but there will be no significant permanent land use impacts.

8.9.5.4 Mitigation

No mitigation will be required due to the positive effects from upgrading the station area. The proposed changes in pedestrian and vehicle circulation will result in minor positive impacts for pedestrians and community.

8.9.6 Uphall Station

8.9.6.1 Baseline

The existing station is accessed from Pumpherston Road (B8046), which is single width where it passes under the rail track. A ramped access road, usually reduced to single carriageway by parked cars, gives access to the station car park. The car park accommodates approximately 154 cars and is usually full during the day.

8.9.6.2 Proposals

The proposed changes at Uphall Station are as follows: • Track doubling, new flank platform on north side, DDA access • Ramped access/ footbridge across the station and the M8 • New car park on north side of M8 with 148 spaces with access off Station Road (north). • Reduced car park on south side of station with 127 spaces (current parking for 154 vehicles)

8.9.6.3 Impact Assessment

The provision of the new car park, access road and ramped footbridge on the north side of the M8 will result in the permanent loss of some 2.3 ha of land. This land was formerly derelict and is unclassified by the MLURI for land capability for agriculture. The area of the proposed car park is currently farmland, while the ramped overbridge is located on land, which is currently woodland. The loss of both of these areas is considered to be of minor land use significance.

8.9.6.4 Mitigation

No land use mitigation will be required.

8.9.7 Residual Impacts

The proposed improvement works between Bathgate and Edinburgh will not result in any significant land use impacts. Land will be permanently lost to the scheme at Boghall, for the relocated car delivery depot and at Uphall Station, for the new car park and ramped overbridge. The total permanent land take figure is some 20 hectares which includes some 5 hectares of agricultural land. Temporary land use impacts will occur close to bridge construction sites, affecting a further 20 hectares of land of which some 6 hectares is agricultural land. Overall, these land use impacts are considered to be minor.

Ironside Farrar May 2006/ 6665