West Lothian Council’s executive backed plans to sell 1.38 acres of development land at Clifton View to Charles Stamper Fruit and Veg Holdings Limited (CSFVHL) for £380,000.

The site was not required by the council for service delivery, so was put on the market for sale. No offers or expressions of interest were received from the community and there were no requests for community asset transfer.

The best commercial offer received was from Edinburgh-based CSFVHL, which specialises in the distribution of fresh fruit and vegetables across the central belt and throughout Scotland. The family-owned company has been in operation for thirty-five years, and intends to build a warehouse on the site to create a new base for its operations.

CSFVHL has existing partnerships with local firms and has indicated that it would intend to use local contractors during the construction phase. It aims to prioritise local employment by recruiting at least 60% of staff from the surrounding area, and expects to create ten to fifteen new full-time positions over a five-year period.

West Lothian Council said the sale represents best value for the council as the highest potential capital receipt. All money raised from the sale of surplus property is reinvested back into the council to support essential services.