The new prison would hold about 700 prisoners
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Councillors in West Lothian have approved plans for a high-security prison, despite local opposition.
The £80m 700-place jail is now earmarked to open between Addiewell and West Calder on the site of an old bing.
Locals voiced their concerns over the impact the development would have on traffic congestion and house prices.
But after debating the matter for more than an hour, councillors approved the application which will now be referred to the ministers for a final decision.
A six-week period of public consultation was launched earlier in the year, with detailed exhibitions on the Scottish Prison Service proposal on show in local libraries.
West Lothian Council officials have recommended that outline planning permission should be granted, but with strings attached.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "We are very pleased with
the outcome of Wednesday's application.
"We have had open evenings with the public to address their concerns and also
undertook an environmental impact survey to address things."
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