East Lothian Council's Planning Committee has approved a proposed extension to Dunbar's Bayswell Hotel.

Committee Members approved the application for an extension by seven votes to four. The applicant now has permission for a single storey flat roofed extension with decked area and a three storey flat roofed extension including balconies with hot tubs. Planning officers had recommended approval but the application was called off the Scheme of Delegation List by Councillor Collins due to the concerns of local residents. There were 20 objections to the plans, with concerns including a potential adverse impact on the Dunbar Conservation Area and a potential increase in noise. Following a debate, additional conditions agreed by committee include the production of an energy efficiency plan by the applicant, measures to protect an existing tree and the increase in height of a barrier between the hotel and neighbouring properties from 1.5 to 1.8 metres.


Committee members also approved a part-retrospective application for a garden room and increase in height of a fence at Lairds Crescent, Haddington, by eight votes to three. Planners had recommended approval but the application was called off the scheme of Delegation list by Councillor McMillan due to neighbour concerns. Thirteen objections had been received with concerns including loss of sunlight and privacy to neighbouring properties. The garden room, which is five metres long, three metres wide and 3.37 metres high, has already been built. An additional condition was added which means the applicant will need to submit a plan to ensure adequate drainage at the site.

Committee also unanimously approved a variation of planning conditions attached to consent in principle granted in August 2021 for onshore infrastructure relating to the Seagreen offshore windfarm. The variation of conditions will allow for the work to be carried out in phases on part of the former Cockenzie Power Station site.

The deletion of a planning condition relating to a housing development at Barbachlaw, Wallyford, was unanimously approved. The condition had referred to the construction of a greyhound racing stadium, which is now no longer proceeding.

The relevant application numbers are: Dunbar 22/00393/P; Haddington 22/00559/P; Cockenzie  22/00460/PM and Wallyford 22/00622/PM.