West Lothian Council may see a massive new circus headquarters with an official planning application for the major development expected soon.
Edinburgh-based developer Big Kid Entertainment submitted a pre-application notice (PAN) stating they intent to apply for permission to build the base at Oakbank Road in East Calder.
The plans are expected to include changing rooms, showers, toilets, kitchenette, and offices.
A temporary shed for circus service vehicles and equipment, enhanced landscape improvements, and nature trail are also expected.
This comes after a planning application for a circus base from the same company was rejected by the council in 2021.
The development plans from four years ago included a storage compound, the erection of a shed and circus tent, seven caravans, and sites for accommodation and practice.
West Lothian Council refused permission stating the plans were an “unjustified development in the countryside”.
They urged developers to choose a “less sensitive location” that would have less of an impact on the character of the Livingston Country Belt.
A new application is expected to come, according to West Lothian Council.
On January 23, the Council took to social media saying: “A pre-application planning notice has been lodged over the potential creation of a new circus base in West Lothian.
“Edinburgh-based Big Kid Entertainment have submitted notice that they intend to apply for planning permission to build a multi-use double height circus training and community space at Oakbank Road, East Calder.
“The proposals are expected to include changing rooms, showers, toilets, kitchenette, offices, bin store and plant as well as temporary shed for circus service vehicles and equipment, enhanced landscape improvements and nature trail.
“Due the large size of the potential development at over two hectares, it is classed as a major development. This means the developer is required to carry out community consultation with public events before a formal planning application is lodged.
“At this stage, comments can only be submitted to the developer and not to the council.”
Residents have expressed a range of opinions online, with some in favour and some not.
One disgruntled resident said: “Let’s just make sure we all turn up to the public consultations and make our voices heard!
“This was refused before so let’s make sure it’s refused again and also make sure the council force them to take down what they have already built up there without permission!
Another questioned: “So is it now a case of keep applying until it’s granted?”
A third was in favour of the plans, saying: “I’m all for it its bringing something fun back to West Lothian.”
A spokesperson from Big Kid Entertainment said: “We are working together with our partners at BIG Partnership PR Agency, Iceni and O’Donnel Brown to propose a Circus arts performing centre for the local community at West Lothian. Our organisation aims to create a bridge between the circus world and the people of West Lothian as well as Scotland.
“We feel the previous application was not interpreted the way we anticipated. Our aim is to become part of the community and open up our space to the public, as well as having a base where we can share our experience of circus with young adults and children around West Lothian.
“We are keen to work closely with local councillors to make this project as beneficial and successful for all parties as possible.
“We will be having a community event at Oakbank Bowling Club on 26th February where we will provide more information about the project, as well as invite all locals to input their feedback.”
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