Latest news with #DamianDoran-Timson
Daily Record
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Record
West Lothian disabled veterans facing eviction 'must be offered new homes'
Conservative group leader and ex-RAF serviceman Councillor Damian Doran-Timson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service said he understood the financial problems the charity faced but was 'dismayed' at the sell-off plans, and called on it to reconsider. The Conservative leader on West Lothian Council has called for disabled veterans facing eviction to be offered a home for a home. Linburn estate at Wilkieston has been home to tenants of Sight Scotland Veterans - formerly Scottish War Blinded - for decades. The decision to sell off large parts of the estate for housing development affects a total of 13 residential properties on the site, including seven veterans with vision impairment and six private tenants. Conservative group leader and ex-RAF serviceman Councillor Damian Doran-Timson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service said he understood the financial problems the charity faced but was 'dismayed' at the sell-off plans, and called on it to reconsider. 'I met with Sight Scotland last week and listened to their views and whilst I believe they do need to look at revenue and income, I request they look at any other options they may have. 'As part of the sale to a developer, I ask the charity to include the clause that like for like houses are built for those that currently live at Linburn and the developer/housing association manage the properties that the current residents are in.' The charity has told residents to find new homes within a year as it revealed plans to sell the land for development. It comes after Sight Scotland Veterans faced losses of more than £18m over the last four years. The charity stressed it was working with residents and no one was facing immediate eviction. Veterans said they fear spending the rest of their lives on the housing waiting list which already has around 11,000 names. West Lothian Council confirmed that no plans for development had been lodged. The news earlier this week prompted the Leader of the Council Lawrence Fitzpatrick to write to the Secretary of State for Defence, John Healey, asking him to 'intervene immediately and help these veterans'. Councillor Doran-Timson also called on Sight Scotland help the Military Museum of Scotland, located on the estate, to relocate if it has to. He added: 'As I have been for a number of years, I am still pressing the council to also identify land in West Lothian that can host the Military Museum.' Founder and curator of the museum, Ian Inglis, told the LDRS that the letter from Sight Scotland had been ' a bit of a shock' but was not unexpected. And he vowed: 'Military Museum Scotland will not close and we will continue our work with veterans.' He said: 'There is no guarantee that housing will be built there, however it has been on the council's Local Development Plan for over 10 years. 'All I have been told is that we have about a year to leave as the land is being sold to help fund Sight Scotland. 'If we were to move out in a year, I think we would have to close the museum now and start packing. That is out of the question as we have bookings right up to the end of the year, and I will not disappoint anyone by cancelling their booking.' Mr Inglis added: 'We have needed a much larger premises for years, we have been looking, but now the pressure is on. There is a place out there with our name on it, we just have to find it. We will be officially launching our campaign next week to try and find somewhere and to raise funds to help with a move. 'Sight Scotland veterans have to do what they have to do to survive as they do great work helping and supporting veterans, as we do. 'It's just a shame that they feel the need to evict veterans from their homes and to evict another Veterans Charity to do that.' Craig Spalding, Sight Scotland Veterans Chief Executive, said: 'Selling the land will secure the financial future of the charity. However, it will mean that the existing housing on the site will need to be demolished. 'We recognise that we have a duty of care to the existing tenants and are committed to finding each tenant alternative living arrangements that are as good as, if not better than, their current accommodation. 'The proceeds from this sale will enable us to continue providing life-changing support at our Linburn Centre, as well as preserving and strengthening the essential services we provide across the country.' Mr Spalding added: 'We recognise that this decision will unfortunately impact current estate tenants, including veterans with vision impairment, and have extended the notice period to a full year. We wish to make it clear that no one faces immediate eviction. 'The charity is committed to working closely with each tenant to help them find suitable alternative accommodation and minimise disruption by offering personalised support through our Financial Well-being service. We informed the tenants of our long-term intentions at this stage; in order to start a conversation with each tenant to understand their specific needs so we can support them effectively.' Councillor Fitzpatrick told the LDRS: 'This must be a very worrying time for the veterans and their families and it is very upsetting to hear that they are being faced with such an uncertain future at Linburn, along with the museum and veterans centre who do a wonderful job. 'I have written to the Secretary of State for Defence and the Ministry of Defence to ask them to intervene immediately and help these veterans. It cannot be left that veterans - who have proudly served their country - are left facing eviction from a community that they belong to.' A council spokesperson told the LDRS: 'The council has not received a planning application or granted consent for the redevelopment of the veteran's village at Wilkieston. However, we are preparing a new Local Development Plan. 'Through the 'call for ideas' part of this process we have been made aware by Sight Scotland that they wish to dispose of this site for market and affordable homes. 'We are currently reviewing all proposals submitted to the 'call for ideas' to see if they are suitable for development. A proposed plan will be published in due course.'
Edinburgh Reporter
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Edinburgh Reporter
Call for disabled veterans facing eviction to be offered ‘a home for a home'
The Conservative leader on West Lothian Council has called for disabled veterans facing eviction to be offered a home for a home. Linburn estate at Wilkieston has been home to tenants of Sight Scotland Veterans – formerly Scottish War Blinded – for decades. The decision to sell off large parts of the estate for housing development affects a total of 13 residential properties on the site, including seven veterans with vision impairment and six private tenants. Conservative group leader and ex-RAF serviceman Councillor Damian Doran-Timson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service said he understood the financial problems the charity faced but was 'dismayed' at the sell-off plans and called on it to reconsider. 'I met with Sight Scotland last week and listened to their views and whilst I believe they do need to look at revenue and income, I request they look at any other options they may have. 'As part of the sale to a developer, I ask the charity to include the clause that like for like houses are built for those that currently live at Linburn and the developer/housing association manage the properties that the current residents are in.' The charity has told residents to find new homes within a year as it revealed plans to sell the land for development. It comes after Sight Scotland Veterans faced losses of more than £18m over the last four years. The charity stressed it was working with residents, and no one was facing immediate eviction. Veterans said they fear spending the rest of their lives on the housing waiting list which already has around 11,000 names. West Lothian Council confirmed that no plans for development had been lodged. The news earlier this week prompted the Leader of the Council Lawrence Fitzpatrick to write to the Secretary of State for Defence, John Healey, asking him to 'intervene immediately and help these veterans'. Councillor Doran-Timson also called on Sight Scotland help the Military Museum of Scotland, located on the estate, to relocate if it has to. He added: 'As I have been for a number of years, I am still pressing the council to also identify land in West Lothian that can host the Military Museum.' Founder and curator of the museum, Ian Inglis, told the LDRS that the letter from Sight Scotland had been ' a bit of a shock' but was not unexpected. And he vowed: 'Military Museum Scotland will not close and we will continue our work with veterans.' He said: 'There is no guarantee that housing will be built there, however it has been on the council's Local Development Plan for over 10 years. 'All I have been told is that we have about a year to leave as the land is being sold to help fund Sight Scotland. 'If we were to move out in a year, I think we would have to close the museum now and start packing. That is out of the question as we have bookings right up to the end of the year, and I will not disappoint anyone by cancelling their booking.' Mr Inglis added: 'We have needed a much larger premises for years, we have been looking, but now the pressure is on. There is a place out there with our name on it, we just have to find it. We will be officially launching our campaign next week to try and find somewhere and to raise funds to help with a move. 'Sight Scotland veterans have to do what they have to do to survive as they do great work helping and supporting veterans, as we do. 'It's just a shame that they feel the need to evict veterans from their homes and to evict another Veterans Charity to do that.' Craig Spalding, Sight Scotland Veterans Chief Executive, said: 'Selling the land will secure the financial future of the charity. However, it will mean that the existing housing on the site will need to be demolished. 'We recognise that we have a duty of care to the existing tenants and are committed to finding each tenant alternative living arrangements that are as good as, if not better than, their current accommodation. 'The proceeds from this sale will enable us to continue providing life-changing support at our Linburn Centre, as well as preserving and strengthening the essential services we provide across the country.' Mr Spalding added: 'We recognise that this decision will unfortunately impact current estate tenants, including veterans with vision impairment, and have extended the notice period to a full year. We wish to make it clear that no one faces immediate eviction. 'The charity is committed to working closely with each tenant to help them find suitable alternative accommodation and minimise disruption by offering personalised support through our Financial Well-being service. We informed the tenants of our long-term intentions at this stage; in order to start a conversation with each tenant to understand their specific needs so we can support them effectively.' Councillor Fitzpatrick told the LDRS: 'This must be a very worrying time for the veterans and their families, and it is very upsetting to hear that they are being faced with such an uncertain future at Linburn, along with the museum and veterans centre who do a wonderful job. 'I have written to the Secretary of State for Defence and the Ministry of Defence to ask them to intervene immediately and help these veterans. It cannot be left that veterans – who have proudly served their country – are left facing eviction from a community that they belong to.' A council spokesperson told the LDRS: 'The council has not received a planning application or granted consent for the redevelopment of the veteran's village at Wilkieston. However, we are preparing a new Local Development Plan. 'Through the 'call for ideas' part of this process we have been made aware by Sight Scotland that they wish to dispose of this site for market and affordable homes. 'We are currently reviewing all proposals submitted to the 'call for ideas' to see if they are suitable for development. A proposed plan will be published in due course.' By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter Like this: Like Related
Edinburgh Live
15 hours ago
- Politics
- Edinburgh Live
West Lothian disabled veterans facing eviction 'must be offered new homes'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info The Conservative leader on West Lothian Council has called for disabled veterans facing eviction to be offered a home for a home. Linburn estate at Wilkieston has been home to tenants of Sight Scotland Veterans – formerly Scottish War Blinded – for decades. The decision to sell off large parts of the estate for housing development affects a total of 13 residential properties on the site, including seven veterans with vision impairment and six private tenants. Conservative group leader and ex-RAF serviceman Councillor Damian Doran-Timson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service said he understood the financial problems the charity faced but was 'dismayed' at the sell-off plans, and called on it to reconsider. 'I met with Sight Scotland last week and listened to their views and whilst I believe they do need to look at revenue and income, I request they look at any other options they may have. 'As part of the sale to a developer, I ask the charity to include the clause that like for like houses are built for those that currently live at Linburn and the developer/housing association manage the properties that the current residents are in.' The charity has told residents to find new homes within a year as it revealed plans to sell the land for development. It comes after Sight Scotland Veterans faced losses of more than £18m over the last four years. The charity stressed it was working with residents and no one was facing immediate eviction. Veterans said they fear spending the rest of their lives on the housing waiting list which already has around 11,000 names. West Lothian Council confirmed that no plans for development had been lodged. The news earlier this week prompted the Leader of the Council Lawrence Fitzpatrick to write to the Secretary of State for Defence, John Healey, asking him to "intervene immediately and help these veterans". Councillor Doran-Timson also called on Sight Scotland help the Military Museum Scotland, located on the estate, to relocate if it has to. He added: 'As I have been for a number of years, I am still pressing the council to also identify land in West Lothian that can host the Military Museum.' Founder and curator of the museum, Ian Inglis, told the LDRS that the letter from Sight Scotland had been ' a bit of a shock' but was not unexpected. (Image: Military Museum Scotland) And he vowed: 'Military Museum Scotland will not close and we will continue our work with veterans.' He said: "There is no guarantee that housing will be built there, however it has been on the council's Local Development Plan for over 10 years. 'All I have been told is that we have about a year to leave as the land is being sold to help fund Sight Scotland. 'If we were to move out in a year, I think we would have to close the museum now and start packing. That is out of the question as we have bookings right up to the end of the year, and I will not disappoint anyone by cancelling their booking.' Mr Inglis added: 'We have needed a much larger premises for years, we have been looking, but now the pressure is on. There is a place out there with our name on it, we just have to find it. We will be officially launching our campaign next week to try and find somewhere and to raise funds to help with a move. 'Sight Scotland veterans have to do what they have to do to survive as they do great work helping and supporting veterans, as we do. ' It's just a shame that they feel the need to evict veterans from their homes and to evict another Veterans Charity to do that.' Craig Spalding, Sight Scotland Veterans Chief Executive, said: 'Selling the land will secure the financial future of the charity. However, it will mean that the existing housing on the site will need to be demolished. 'We recognise that we have a duty of care to the existing tenants and are committed to finding each tenant alternative living arrangements that are as good as, if not better than, their current accommodation. 'The proceeds from this sale will enable us to continue providing life-changing support at our Linburn Centre, as well as preserving and strengthening the essential services we provide across the country.' Mr Spalding added: 'We recognise that this decision will unfortunately impact current estate tenants, including veterans with vision impairment, and have extended the notice period to a full year. We wish to make it clear that no one faces immediate eviction. 'The charity is committed to working closely with each tenant to help them find suitable alternative accommodation and minimise disruption by offering personalised support through our Financial Well-being service. We informed the tenants of our long-term intentions at this stage; in order to start a conversation with each tenant to understand their specific needs so we can support them effectively.' Councillor Fitzpatrick told the LDRS: 'This must be a very worrying time for the veterans and their families and it is very upsetting to hear that they are being faced with such an uncertain future at Linburn, along with the museum and veterans centre who do a wonderful job. 'I have written to the Secretary of State for Defence and the Ministry of Defence to ask them to intervene immediately and help these veterans. It cannot be left that veterans – who have proudly served their country – are left facing eviction from a community that they belong to.' A council spokesperson told the LDRS: ' The council has not received a planning application or granted consent for the redevelopment of the veteran's village at Wilkieston. However, we are preparing a new Local Development Plan . 'Through the 'call for ideas' part of this process we have been made aware by Sight Scotland that they wish to dispose of this site for market and affordable homes. ' We are currently reviewing all proposals submitted to the 'call for ideas' to see if they are suitable for development. A proposed plan will be published in due course.'
Scotsman
23-04-2025
- Health
- Scotsman
West Lothian village Kirknewton to get 48 new homes despite infrastructure concerns due to growing population
Watch more of our videos on and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565 Visit Shots! now The village of Kirknewton will see another 48 new homes developed, despite concerns over the pressure on local services being caused by the growing population. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Bathgate firm CC Drummond has won permission in principle to develop a five acre site bounding Roosevelt Road and the railway line running through the village with 'bespoke' housing – including bungalows. West Lothian Council's Development Management Committee heard that the site is part of a larger area that first won permission for development in 2021. However, objectors voiced new concerns about the pressures on existing medical facilities. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It was a point raised by local councillor Conservative group leader Damian Doran-Timson who asked: 'We haven't received NHS data for East Calder medical practice. Is that something the NHS would provide or is that something we would request.' Andrew Cotton said: 'We in the development planning and environment team are engaging with NHS Lothian to develop the required data that would be needed to take contributions[towards development] . We are looking to get enough detail on that.' Councillor Doran-Timson said; 'Surely as a council we are fully aware that East Calder Medical Practice the condition of the building, the size of the building is not fit for purpose and is way oversubscribed with patients.' Mr Cotton replied: 'We don't yet have sufficient data to specify where there are shortages. At East Calder Medical Practice we know that there are issues with the existing building we know that there's issues with the services delivered there but it is a question of quantifying that and working out what the ways of delivering additional capacity and costs would be.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad He added that this could include changing the way services are delivered and, or rental of more property to deliver services. 'Developer contributions could not be used to resolve existing problems. These are for the Scottish Government and NHS Lothian to resolve,' said Mr Cotton. The five acre site bounding Roosevelt Road and the railway line running through the village. | West Lothian Council Sign up for our Breaking Newsletter and stay up to date on the latest news stories from Edinburgh and the Lothians. Robin Matthew, a planning agent for the house builder said: 'The approach that will be taken by CC Drummond is that they will design bespoke houses. In accordance with the council's guidance. The house types will meet the guidance and then any other elements such as acoustic fencing will be taken in a detailed design stage.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad He said the house types will include bungalows and single aspect homes. 'We are confident that with a bespoke housing solution we can address all the constraints on the site, he added. A report to the DMC outlined constraints facing the builders: 'The site slopes downwards from the rear of the properties at Roosevelt Road towards a flatter area of the site adjacent to the railway line. The steepness of this slope increases to the eastern half of the allocated housing site, out with the current planning application boundary. 'Due to the change in levels, any subsequent detailed planning application will need to take into account level changes to ensure an appropriate layout and design. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'The proximity of the railway line to the immediate north of the application site is a constraint which requires to be addressed. Again, any subsequent detailed application will need to take this into consideration with regards to house type, design and layout.' The site has long been earmarked for housing development but still attracted 24 objections, some around local access and loss of green space. A planning paper outlined: 'The village benefits from an area of protected open space at Roosevelt Road/Church Way, an equipped play area and large open space at Kirknewton local park.'
