The proposed development site is part of the River Almond corridor, a Listed Wildlife Site. The area is home to a wide variety of animals - including bats, water voles, squirrels and rabbits. However, NO WILDLIFE STUDY has been done to date.
The site contains many trees, some of which are very mature and the majority of the rest are over ten years old. It would be impossible to develop the site without destroying virtually all of these. This would follow on from the senseless and unexplained removal of 162 trees from the other side of Alderstone Road in early 2009.
Local schools are already at full capacity and children in the area are being placed in schools a substantial distance from their homes. Any new development would exacerbate this problem.
The development stands on the banks of the river, on what is already 'boggy' ground. The effects on the river and the potential increased risk of flooding are of concern.
Any development on this site would increase both noise and light pollution - both of which are non-existent from this area at present.
This area is the only green space in the area on which children can play without crossing the river or Alderstone Road, the second busiest road in Livingston.
There would be increased traffic and alterations to what is already a very busy road.