New guidelines to make it harder for developers to overturn East Lothian Council objections to “inappropriate” housing plans have been brought in. These guidelines will “add weight” to any objections made by the council if developers appeal the council’s decision with the Scottish Government.
Councillor Michael Veitch criticised the Scottish Government appeal system, which allowed developers to bring in a reporter to decide their case.
He pointed to plans to build 90 homes at Beveridge Row, Belhaven, which were approved despite local objections.
Cllr. Veitch said: “Beveridge Row was rejected by this council, the community council, and local people in the community, yet one person from the Scottish Government overturned that decision.
“It is very hard to see that as anything other than a slap in the face to local democracy. I think people have a problem when in a democracy one individual has the final say.”