Kirsteen Sullivan MP joined Persimmon Homes regional managing director James MacKay at the site to tour the development and officially break ground on The Village Quarter.

The five retail units will form a key part of the new community, creating space for local businesses and services and helping deliver the village-centre feel that local residents have long wanted.

Alongside the retail space, the development will deliver 85 energy-efficient new homes, including 18 affordable homes to help local people in housing need.

Persimmon will also contribute £300,000 towards local schools, while the development will create new jobs, apprenticeships and training opportunities for people in Bathgate and the surrounding area.

Kirsteen Sullivan MP said: “I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Persimmon Homes to mark the start of work on The Village Quarter at Wester Inch.

“Residents have waited a long time to see progress on this site, particularly the retail units that will help create the village centre the community has long called for.

“Alongside five new retail units, this development will deliver much needed new and affordable homes, investment in local schools and opportunities for people through jobs, apprenticeships and training.

“With housing demand remaining a major issue for many families and the need to support the next generation of skilled construction workers, this is a welcome”

James MacKay, regional managing director at Persimmon Homes, said: “We’re delighted to have started work at Wester Inch and to have Kirsteen here to mark the occasion.

“The retail element is particularly exciting because it will help deliver the village-centre feel that the local community has wanted for so long.

“Alongside the shops, we’re delivering energy-efficient homes, affordable housing, investment in local schools and opportunities for people to develop their careers through jobs and apprenticeships.