Appeal to expand West Lothian yard refused as firm told to restore farmland

A national firm has lost an appeal over its expanded yard in Polbeth and been ordered to restore agricultural land.

The firm had an “urgent need” to accommodate plant and construction equipment beside its existing business on a field it owned.

Conversion work included laying hard standing, moving in concrete blacks to secure a road boundary and planting trees to provide extra space – all without obtaining planning permission.

A retrospective application was refused by West Lothian planners earlier this year.

Councillors on the Local Review Body rejected the appeal by Thomas Plant Hire for the temporary conversion of what is classed as agricultural land next to its yard on the edge of an industrial estate inthe village .

Councillor Willie Boyle said that, as a national company, it shou