Council backs hotel plan for Broxburn’s empty lodge amid resident traffic fears.
The former Masonic Lodge on 102 East Main Street in Broxburn is set to become a hotel and public bar after West Lothian Council gave the green light to a change-of-use application submitted by Mr B Omeri. The building, described by planners as an “imposing but semi-derelict” structure, sits on the main thoroughfare of the town centre and lies within the proposed Broxburn Conservation Area.
The proposal calls for a structural refresh – new doors, windows, a side entrance and a rear beer garden – while preserving the traditional façade that fronts the busy road.
Background of the proposal
Mr Omeri’s plan seeks to re-configure the interior layout so the ground floor houses a bar and restaurant with sleeping rooms above.
An external ventilation system would be installed on the west elevation and a vertical stairwell would provide access to the upper-level rooms. Planners noted that the site sits among a mix of commercial, service and residential uses, and that the conversion would replace a vacant building that has remained unused for years.
By turning the lodge into an active hospitality venue, the council hopes to inject new activity into an area that has been described as a local “eyesore”.
Opposition and concerns raised
Eight members of the public lodged formal objections, centring their arguments on traffic, parking and social impacts. One objector warned, “Broxburn does not need another hotel, they need more shops.” Another highlighted that “this area of Broxburn is already highly congested with limited parking available for the current residents and businesses.” A further comment suggested the hotel could “end up being used for immigrants. No parking, a public bar could cause more rowdy behaviour, currently plenty drinking and eating facilities.” The overarching fear was that added visitor numbers would exacerbate congestion on an already busy main street, potentially compromising safety for residents and existing businesses.
Specific objections
Beyond traffic, petitioners voiced worries about noise, night-time disturbance and the possibility of anti-social behaviour stemming from a new public bar. They argued that the existing hospitality offering in Broxburn already satisfies local demand, and that a hotel would primarily serve transient guests rather than provide the long-term housing or retail spaces the community currently lacks.
Council’s decision and supportive voices
Despite the objections, the Development Management Committee, chaired by Councillor Harry Cartmill, voted in favour of the conversion. Councillor Tony Boyle defended the move, stating, “There have been some objections about parking, but officials are happy. I think it is something we should welcome in Broxburn.” Councillor Pauline Clark added that the building had become “a bit of an eyesore” and praised the change as a positive step for the town centre. Supporters also submitted letters; one resident remarked, “The Masonic Lodge has lay empty for years and we need something like a restaurant and pub to take family/friends to. This is long overdue.” The committee concluded that the project would revitalize a dormant site and contribute to the vibrancy of the town’s core.
With the council’s endorsement, the next phase will involve detailed design work, securing building permits for the exterior alterations, and addressing the traffic-management concerns raised by opponents. The applicant has indicated a commitment to work with local authorities to mitigate parking pressure, potentially through designated loading bays or coordinated public transport options. If implemented as planned, the hotel and bar could become a new social hub, offering both residents and visitors a venue for dining, events and overnight stays, while also preserving the historic character of the former lodge.
