Deveron Homes, of Huntly, has submitted an application to build the flats on unused commercial land, formerly West Port Sawmill, south of Falkirk Road. It sits between houses, the new retail park and the railway line.
The firm hopes to build fiv
e different blocks, each up to three storeys tall, with 79 car parking spaces.
But in what is being seen as an effort to head off objections that the development will stretch existing community resources, it has asked West Lothian Council to build in an condition restricting purchase and occupancy to those aged over 45.
Deveron Homes believes this will minimise the development's impact on the town.
It also claimed that the two- bedroom flats are deliberately not being designed as family housing and won't appeal to those with children, so there will be no extra strain on the town's schools.
The proposals have just been submitted to West Lothian Council but already they have met with opposition from local residents who fear the town is over-stretched.
The residents raised their concerns at the latest meeting of Linlithgow Community Council.
Jack Thomson, community council planning officer, said the idea of only selling to people aged over 45 was a "bit of a red herring".
He said: "The town's infra-structure is creaking at the seams with pressure on schools and doctors' practices, as well as causing parking and other roads problems.
"It's a bit of a red herring to say that because these flats are for sale to people aged over 45 they won't have an effect.
"It's already clear a lot of people have been downsizing their properties in Linlithgow. But they've been selling family homes to other people with families, so the pressure remains on the schools."
Mr Thomson added: "There was quite a bit of representation from local residents at our last meeting.
"The community council's view is that the Deveron Homes' application is premature given the state of the town's infrastructure at this time.
"I think, too, that a development of this size on this site would be out of place."
The full article contains 378 words and appears in n/a newspaper.
