Speaking during today’s Cabinet debate on new interim planning guidance, Cllr Michael Veitch (Dunbar & East Linton) said:
“[The cabinet paper] cites the recent example of a successful appeal against non-determination at a site near Beveridge Row in Belhaven in my ward. The decision to uphold the appeal has been hugely unpopular locally, as this is a site which many people – including myself – view as wholly inappropriate for a housing development.
“The land in question is a highly valued and attractive green space separating Belhaven and West Barns, and its development will therefore erode the separate identity of these two communities.
“The development was vigorously opposed both by East Lothian Council and local people, meaning local opinion has been all but disregarded in allowing the development of this site.
“My hope is that the interim guidance before us today will, if used wisely, enable us to increase local control over housing decisions in East Lothian, and thereby help to lessen the likelihood of further bad, centrally imposed planning decisions such as Beveridge Row.”