Welcome to the Winchburgh Developments Limited community update page!
This page is where WDL posts updates, event notifications and general information relating to the ongoing development at Winchburgh.
Rail Station Statement
Joint WDL / West Lothian Council statement –
“West Lothian Council has today (Monday 27 October) issued planning consent for the new railway station at Winchburgh.
Granting of planning consent follows a period of focused work by partners including Winchburgh Developments Ltd, Transport Scotland, Network Rail, SEStran and West Lothian Council to progress the detailed business case for the station.
The outline business case, which is currently being reviewed by Transport Scotland, shows that the station will have very positive benefits in terms of carbon reduction through a significant reduction in car based journeys.
Planning consent for the new station, which is located adjacent to the new Winchburgh Town Centre, also includes a park and ride and electric vehicle charging points. The platforms on the Edinburgh – Linlithgow – Glasgow / Stirling line will be capable of accommodating trains of six carriages.
A funding solution for delivery of the station remains to be confirmed but granting of planning consent allows the council, with the support of partners, to progress a funding bid to the Scottish Ministers. It is expected that partners will finalise that bid next month.
Executive Councillor for the Environment & Sustainability Tom Conn (Pictured left) said: “I am sure this important step will be warmly welcomed by local residents. It’s extremely encouraging to see this project continuing to move forward at pace this year which reflects the positive collaboration between all parties. A station would bring lasting benefits to Winchburgh and surrounding communities – increasing sustainable travel options, supporting the local economy and connecting people to opportunities.”
John Hamilton, CEO of Winchburgh Developments Ltd (Pictured right), said: “Securing planning consent is a huge step forward for Winchburgh and brings us closer to realising the full vision for our growing community. As we expand from around 6,500 to 14,000 residents, the new station will be a game-changer, connecting people more easily, easing pressure on local roads and helping us move towards a cleaner, greener future. We look forward to continuing to work closely with our partners to take the next vital steps towards getting construction underway and making this exciting project a reality.”
Catherine Hall, Strategy and Investment Director at Network Rail Scotland, said: “We welcome the decision to grant planning permission for the proposed station at Winchburgh, which aims to improve transport links for the growing community. It’s encouraging to see the project reach this stage and it reflects the hard work behind the scenes across all organisations involved. We’ll continue to work closely with partners as plans progress.”
Auldcathie Park update
The new car park is now open and the solar powered portable toilet is now installed at the growers area.
Scouts 10th Anniversary Celebration
Last Friday (7th November) Penny from WDL joined the Scouts to celebrate their tenth anniversary.
Gala 2026
WDL were excited to meet the new Gala Committee and if you would like to get in touch to help please contact the Winchburgh Gala Day Facebook page.
Christmas Tree
Watch out for the Christmas Tree installation on 24th November 2025.
Hawkhill School
WDL was thrilled to hear that the new Hawkhill PS pupils enjoyed their Halloween party last week that WDL were happy to sponsor and support.
Events
Christmas is coming. 29th November – Christmas Farmer Market at Marina 10am-1pm.
Rail Station update
Planning permission was granted for the Winchburgh Rail Station and car park today (27th October 2025) – see link
Hawkhill Park
Planning application due to be submitted by mid-November 2025. Updated drawings to be published in next couple of weeks following comments received from community.
Art Programme
Two successful community consultations have taken place with Ailsa Magnus. Please check Facebook for further events. If you cannot make these and have comments to make, please email [email protected]
Auldcathie Park
A temporary toilet block is being installed this week behind the Growers area. These are solar powered and will open 9am-5pm daily.
Auldcathie car park at the B9080 is complete and open from the beginning of November.
Scouts, Football Club and Community Growing Group
WDL has been working with these organisations to bring forward storage needed to help increase their capacity as voluntary organisations in the village. A funding application has been made for Section 75 monies. Planning applications for storage containers have been lodged. Decisions hoped on these by Christmas.
Winchburgh Niddry Castle Golf Club
Congratulations to the golf club for achieving funding for new maintenance facilities.
Events
Christmas is coming. 29th November – Christmas Farmer Market at Marina 10am-1pm.
Canal Bridge onsite
The Union Canal pedestrian crossing bridge was delivered yesterday. Date of installation to be confirmed.
Rail Station update
Planning application still to be approved by Council.
Funding application approved by City Region Deal.
Funding application to be made directly to Scottish Government once planning permission is issued and business case approved by Transport Scotland.
Keep Scotland Beautiful Award
Congratulations to the Growers and Wombles for a silver gilt award from Keep Scotland Beautiful. WDL very much appreciates the work done by volunteers in the village to keep the village looking as fantastic as it does.
Bike Bus
On Friday, Penny was delighted to join the Winchburgh bike bus. It was great to see 74 bikes being ridden through the village to get to school. This is a fantastic initiative for all involved. If you are interested the Bike Bus Starts at 8am every Friday morning at Church View – check out their Facebook page for details.
Winchburgh Niddry Castle Golf Club
Congratulations to the coaches at the golf club for being recognised for their great work by Scottish Golf for now leading the way in women’s and girls golf development in Scotland.
Canal footbridge delivery
The new Union Canal footbridge will be delivered into the Daisy Park site from the B9080 via an abnormal load vehicle on Thursday 9th October. The WDL Facebook page will updated with detailed timings.
DMS
The Minutes of the recent DMS meeting are below –
AGM DMS Meeting Minutes 1st September 2025 draft v 1
At time of writing, the planning permission is still awaited from the Council for the rail station. A funding application will be made in due course to the Scottish Government.
Scotland in Bloom
Thanks to the Growers, Wombles and all volunteers involved in helping with this. We wish you all the best for the awards ceremony on Tuesday 16th September.
New Sculpture Artist
Along with partners, WLC and WCDT, Ailsa Magnus has been appointed for the next piece of public art in the village. Ailsa will be undertaking public consultation and working with the schools to come forward with a sculpture to be placed on the canal side at Bridge 31.
Hawkhill Park
WDL is working with its various consultants to pull a final design together. This will culminate in a planning application in the coming weeks.
Canal pedestrian footbridge
The footbridge will be delivered to site on 2nd October 2025. Date yet to be confirmed for installation.
SUSTrans application
Planning application is still sitting live with West Lothian Council yet to be determined.
Winchburgh Bike Bus
WDL is delighted to support the Friday morning Bike Bus allowing children to safely cycle to school.
Winchburgh Cricket Club
WDL is working closely with the newly formed Winchburgh Cricket Club to help the bring forward a synthetic wicket at Auldcathie Park to enable them to work with the schools and deliver cricket across the whole community.
The AGM was held as per below. Costs as presented were approved.
Following on from the recent break-in and thefts at the Auldcathie Growers Area on 13th August it would be appreciated if anyone has any surplus gardening or building tools that they could donate to get in touch with the Growers at [email protected]
The AGM for those residents who live in new hoes in Winchburgh subject to the Development Management Scheme is to be held on Monday 1st September 2025 at 7pm at Winchburgh Church. Residents should receive information from their Factor in the next week.
For a copy of DMS Summary see below –
For any DMS queries please contact your Factor or Housebuilder.
Please continue to make any comments on the proposed layout to Penny Lochhead, See link below.
100094_WB_Hawkhill Consultation Boards_250725_LR
Matters Specified in Conditions consent has been granted for residential development to Robertson Homes at Block GG of the Winchburgh masterplan.
Following on from the September Community Council meeting please find the link to the Facebook page below –
https://www.facebook.com/share/19Hc8yt43S/?mibextid=wwXIfr
WDL is about to commence on the next public art project which will be a sculpture on Bridge 31 on the Canal. Artist and community activities to be announced soon.
Sustrans Main Street planning application is now live – link here –
Hawkhill Primary school visit – recent photos below of the WD visit to the new Hawkhill Primary School due to open this month –
WDL is delighted that the Winchburgh Growers will be welcoming Keep Scotland Beautiful on 28th July. Thanks to all the volunteers involved in this process.
Good luck to the newly formed Winchburgh Cricket Club who will be playing their first tournament in East Lothian this week.
WDL is delighted to have completed another series of “Developing Winchburgh” sessions with Winchburgh Academy pupils. Thanks to pupils and staff for their involvement.
17th July 2025 – community consultation event for design of new Hawkhill Park between 3-7pm at Winchburgh Church. All welcome to attend.
WDL is happy to support the 2025 summer water sports programme organised by the Development Trust.
WDL, the Community Development Trust and the Community Council are working on a new wayfinding and heritage trail project for the village. Further information coming in the next couple of months.
WDL is delighted to assist with the permanent relocation of the Plot Twist Garden Design “Renewal Garden” from the Scone Palace Garden Fair to Winchburgh Primary School.
A joint meeting of the Winchburgh Station Steering Group, involving West Lothian Council, Winchburgh Developments Ltd, Transport Scotland, ScotRail and Network Rail, was held last week to review progress on the proposed new railway station for Winchburgh.
The Steering Group noted a number of key milestones now achieved. Network Rail submitted a full planning application to West Lothian Council on Friday 30 May, on joint behalf of Winchburgh Developments Ltd and Network Rail. The council has indicated that the application will be determined within a target of eight weeks of submission. In parallel, WDL’s transport consultants have prepared a draft outline business case, which is due to be submitted to Transport Scotland for review imminently. This will support the forthcoming funding application to the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal, with further funding routes also under active consideration.
The station design is now complete to planning stage, with construction cost estimates prepared and benchmarked against comparable projects. Updated passenger demand forecasts have also been finalised. Further work continues to explore opportunities for innovative construction techniques to support efficient and low-disruption delivery.
A stakeholder meeting with Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity, Jim Fairlie MSP, is scheduled to take place in Winchburgh on 18 June. This will offer the minister the opportunity to see first-hand the progress made by the project partners.
Lawrence Fitzpatrick, Leader of West Lothian Council, said: “It’s extremely encouraging to see this project continuing to move forward at pace. With the planning application submitted and business case prepared, we’re entering an important phase, which reflects the positive collaboration between all parties. The station will bring lasting benefits to Winchburgh and surrounding communities – increasing sustainable travel options, supporting the local economy and connecting people to opportunities.”
John Hamilton, Chief Executive of Winchburgh Developments Ltd, added: “We are pleased to see momentum building behind this vital infrastructure. The work carried out to date reflects a strong and effective partnership across the Steering Group. This station will be a key piece of infrastructure, improving daily journeys and unlocking economic opportunities for Winchburgh and the wider Edinburgh/Southeast Scotland City Region. We are committed to continuing to work together to deliver a station that not only connects people but also supports jobs, investment, and the long-term growth of the community.’
A planning application has been lodged with West Lothian Council for the first phase of the “Western Access Road” that will serve the south west quadrant of the Winchburgh masterplan. Link here –
WDL is delighted to welcome Harrris & Bo as the new occupiers of the Coffee Hut at Auldcathie Park.
WDL / BDS will be installing flags in the village week commencing 18th June 2025 in advance of the Gala.
WDL will have a stall at the Fund Day on 22nd June 2025.
This year’s Developing Winchburgh school programme has kicked off with S1 pupils at Winchburgh Academy. You might see groups of children around the village on a Friday morning visiting development areas.
The new Rail Station planning application still on course for submission at end of May 2025.
Congratulations to the Winchburgh Growers for hosting a great Easter Festival.
Winchburgh Developments Limited is delighted to support the newly established Winchburgh Cricket Club.
The new Hawkhill Park design process is ongoing.
The marina painting is now completed.
WDL is acutely aware of damage being caused to trees throughout the village. WDL would encourage anyone who has any information on this to contact the police.
Winchburgh Developments Limited is delighted to have supported another water sports programme in partnership with the Community Development Trust over the Easter break.
WDL Travellers update
The travellers have now moved on and the site has been cleared. Many thanks to the Winchburgh Wombles who took it upon themselves to clear up the litter. WDL appointed a commercial cleaning company to remove larger items. Following on from this, WDL will instruct an assessment of the land to then allow for its positive reinstatement. That will take time to carry out and an update will appear here once available.
Hawkhill Park proposals
Penny Lochhead is continuing to work within the community to create plans for the delivery of Hawkhill Neighbourhood Park.
Scouts
WDL were delighted to support the 33rd West Lothian Scout Group Winchburgh celebrating their tenth anniversary last weekend in Lochgoilhead.
WDL Travellers update
Residents should be aware:
If residents are experiencing anti-social behaviour or any other criminal activity, please report that to the police.
Easter Sunday events
WDL is delighted to support the Winchburgh Community Growing Group with their Easter Egg hunt and fun activities in Auldcathie Park. See link here – Winchburgh Community Growing Group
Easter water sports events
Wednesday 9th / Thursday 10th April 2025 – contact [email protected] for more information.
WDL Block P3 Update
WDL is aware that a large group of travellers has entered WDL property today at Block P3 of the new Town Centre. Access has been made by vehicles across part of the landscaped strip and pedestrian footpaths. The police have been in attendance over lunchtime and WDL has also engaged with them to ask them to leave with minimum damage to the landscaping. Some have complied with the WDL request and others have stated they intend to stay onsite for a few days. Legal proceedings have already been instructed with a view to appropriate court orders being sought as soon as possible. WDL would ask residents to be vigilant to the risk of unauthorised vehicles using offroad landscaped areas and footpaths in the vicinity.
WDL will provide updates to the Community as soon as we have further information.
Rail Station Update
Following on from a number of Rail Station Steering Group meetings involving Network Rail, Transport Scotland, West Lothian Council and Winchburgh Developments Limited, a planning application for the rail station and circa eighty space park and ride facility will be submitted to West Lothian Council, as planning authority, by Network Rail by the end of May 2025. The station will be designed by Network Rail and that process is being funded by Winchburgh Developments Limited.
This will be accompanied by an up-to-date Business Plan (a requirement of the strategic expansion planning permission for Winchburgh) and help inform a bid to be made to the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal for help with rail station funding.
West Lothian Council also confirmed, at its most recent Executive meeting that the Council will act as a co-Promoter of the Winchburgh rail station project to an appropriate point in the process.
The rail station working group has issued the following statement –
“A meeting between West Lothian Council, Winchburgh Developments Ltd, Transport Scotland and the Scottish Government’s Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity was held recently (Wednesday 15 January). The meeting was arranged to discuss progress and provide updates on progress for the proposal to deliver a railway station at Winchburgh.
The meeting noted the council’s recent decision to assume the role of Co-promoter for the project jointly with Winchburgh Developments Ltd, the main developer for the area. The developer is now working with Network Rail on the design work required to develop a Business Case, which is required to apply for funding for the station. The expectation is that the Business Case will be submitted to the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal to apply for funding via its Strategic Sites Investment Programme, or through an application to any other public funding source which may be identified within the work of the project Steering Group.
Lawrence Fitzpatrick, Leader of West Lothian Council said: “It is very encouraging to see the work which has been undertaken to date on this important project. The benefits of a railway station in this town will be significant in terms of increased access to employment, education and leisure, as well as the decongestion benefits and carbon emission reductions. The joint working between these organisations has been extremely productive and will ensure that progress is made as quickly as possible on delivering a railway station for the people of Winchburgh”.
John Hamilton, Chief Executive of Winchburgh Developments Ltd, added: “We are delighted that the council has accepted the role of Co-promoter on this project. This is a very positive step forward for the delivery of the railway station, which has always been included as part of the masterplan for the Winchburgh Core Development Area.”
Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity Jim Fairlie MSP said: “The Scottish Government welcomes the decision by West Lothian Council’s Executive Committee to co-promote the station proposal with Winchburgh Developments Limited. This decision is evidence of the progress being made through the collaborative efforts of the Station Steering Group members and Transport Scotland, in its advisory capacity, shall continue to share its considerable experience in developing plans for new rail infrastructure”.
Rail Station progress update – the West Lothian Council Executive meeting today (14th January 2025) agreed the Rail Station progress update.
West Lothian Council has provided the following update –
An important step aimed at helping to drive forward the creation of a new railway station in Winchburgh has been approved by West Lothian Council today.
Background:
WDL are delighted at this agreement and all stakeholders are a working together towards these key elements of the design and business case submission. We will bring more news soon.
Rail Station progress update –
The West Lothian Council Executive meeting to take place on 14th January 2025 will consider a Report providing an update on progress with the Winchburgh Rail Station (link below).
West Lothian Council Committee Information – Submission Documents
West Lothian Council has also provided the following update –
A move aimed at helping to deliver a new railway station in Winchburgh could be given the green light next week.
A new railway station is included within the original masterplan for the Winchburgh Core Development Area. However, there has never been an agreed funding source to pay for the train station.
Funding remains to be secured for this project, but a potential funding solution has been identified.
In an effort to move the delivery of a new railway station forward, Winchburgh Developments Ltd (WDL), the lead developer of the Winchburgh expansion scheme, has agreed, in principle, to adopt the role of Promoter. Any significant public infrastructure project in Scotland requires a Promoter. A promoter does not have to be the funder of the project – but is accountable for the project budget. The Promoter of the project has a role in ensuring that the project remains on track including overseeing the project budget.
WDL has a responsibility to deliver much of the infrastructure required to support the expansion of the settlement and own the land around the location of the station and as such are well placed to adopt the role of Promoter.
WDL has invited West Lothian Council to be Co-Promoter with them – with the council’s main role to oversee a funding application to the City Region Deal or to any other public funding source which may be identified through the work of a project Steering Group – which has been set up to oversee progress with delivery of the station. The Steering Group includes, Transport Scotland, National Rail, Edinburgh & South East Scotland City Region Deal, WDL and West Lothian Council along with others.
A report by the council’s Head of Planning, Economic Development and Regeneration sets out the details and recommends that councillors agree to proposals that the council should adopt the Co-Promoter role for a limited period up to the point that a funding bid or bids covering the cost of the station have been submitted.
All stakeholders have confirmed their commitment to the railway station project for Winchburgh. The report is being discussed at next week’s Council Executive and we will provide an update then.
Following on from the Council meeting on 14th January 2025, the Committee Report presented for approval was passed on a unanimous vote.
WDL would like to wish all Winchburgh residents a happy new year.
Following a busy 2024, WDL has produced a highlights video of activity throughout the year – see links below (Facebook and WeTransfer) –
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1JESdoG8yf/?mibextid=WC7FNe
WDL is delighted for the Wee Bothy and Villaggio Gelato two beach huts at the marina that are now open. Planning permission was granted for these recently by West Lothian Council.
The new Scottish Canals temporary facilities buildings north of the marina to service marina users have been installed and will be open for the start of the new season in March 2025. This will be followed up by a permanent building in due course.
WDL is currently out to the market for a potential restaurant operator for the land to the west of the marina. As and when further information can be shared on this, it will be posted here and reported to the Community Council.
For the attention of all new development homeowners:
Following on from the Development Management Scheme (DMS) Annual General Meeting held in September 2024, the next phase of common areas greenspace was proposed and agreed to be handed over to the Owners Association. This is the second phase of land to be transferred and, as of December 2024, it is now ready to be transferred into the DMS.
All new development homeowners are part of the DMS and you will received communication from your Factor or Housebuilder in the New Year regarding your payment requirement. Please all note that all new homes and commercial building owners all pay into the DMS.
For copy of DMS Summary see below –
For any DMS queries please contact your Factor or Housebuilder.
The footpath that was temporarily closed to enable development works east of the village has now re-opened. It has been upgraded as part of the strategic pathway network throughout Winchburgh.
WDL would remind everyone that access to Daisy Park and the Clay Pit is temporarily currently closed off for health and safety reasons. Additional signage has been put in place around the park perimeter to warn of this. The signage also sets out a programme for park delivery. WDL would ask that the public keep away from this area at this time.
The marina bridge that will link the Park to the marina across the Canal will be put in place during 2025.
Daisy Park, itself, will be completed and opened in 2027.
None at this time.
Development applications details can be viewed on the West Lothian Council website at Simple Search – just enter the planning application reference number below to see details –
Under construction –
Bellway Block Q 140 houses and 44 flats reference 1167/MSC/21
CALA Blocks Y and Z 113 houses reference 0042/MSC/23
Taylor Wimpey Blocks CC/FF – 190 houses reference 0504/MSC/22
Barratt / David Wilson Homes Blocks DD/EE
Wheatley Group Block BB – 37 houses and 44 flats (affordable housing) reference 1166/MSC/20
Lovell Homes Blocks P1-3 – 149 houses and 27 flats reference 1008/MSC/23
Consented –
Persimmon Homes Blocks HH1 / HH2 – 131 houses reference 0228/MSC/24
Robertson Homes Block GG – 71 houses reference 0924/MSC/24
Submitted and not yet consented
Miller Homes Block X – 109 houses reference 1003/MSC/24