Assessment of cumulative effects

The proposed works are not anticipated to result in significant environmental effects. Due to the nature of the proposed works, no cumulative effects are anticipated with any other developments in the vicinity.

A search of the West Lothian Council Planning Portal has identified one planning application within 300m of the scheme extents in the last two years:

• Reference: 0922/FUL/24 – Description: Change of use from paddock to domestic garden ground (in retrospect) and erection of garage with first floor living accommodation – Decision: Grant Planning Permission – Distance from Scheme: Approximately 195m north.

While it is not possible to determine the timings of the works detailed in the planning applications, it relates to relatively minor domestic building works. As such, the potential for cumulative impacts with the resurfacing works is considered to be negligible. This is due to the works being undertaken on a rolling schedule, limiting disturbance in any one place, the relatively small-scale nature of the resurfacing works and the planning application, and the restriction of the resurfacing to the M8 carriageway. Therefore, no in-combination effects are expected with relation to any of the above planning applications.

Additionally, a search of the Scottish Road Works Commissioner’s website (map search) has identified no other roadworks within 300m of the scheme extents at the same time as the resurfacing works.

Additional BEAR Scotland resurfacing works are planned on the M8 WB carriageway between the Junction 2 on slip and the start of the scheme extents. These works are programmed to begin on the 5^th of October and last for six nights, therefore slightly overlapping with the M8 Prior to Union Canal WB. All BEAR Scotland works are planned in conjunction with other schemes to minimise the likelihood of cumulative impacts relating to TM or road works. As such, no cumulative impacts are expected relating to other BEAR Scotland schemes.