East Lothian Planning Committee met remotely on Tuesday 26 March and heard a number of applications, including the change of use from a café/restaurant in Haddington High Street to a hot food takeaway.
The application for change of use of The Grain to a Domino’s takeaway had been called off the Scheme of Delegation List by Councillor McGuire due to local concerns including increased traffic, noise and litter. A total of 19 objections had been received, as well as two representations and three letters of support.
Following a debate, members voted six to four against the planning officer’s recommendation to approve the application. Reasons for refusal were that the proposed takeaway use was likely to lead to irresponsible parking and waiting outside the premises causing a hazard to pedestrians and road users, and the harmful impact on the amenity of neighbouring residential properties.
Two applications for new homes at Blindwells were unanimously approved. Both applications already had outline planning permission and committee members approved detailed plans at today’s meeting. The first application from Avant Homes was for 158 houses and 16 flats – 52 of which will be affordable housing. The second application from Hargreaves Services Ltd was for 101 houses and 39 flats – 42 of which will be affordable housing. No representations were received for either application.
Members also unanimously agreed to amend a condition relating to existing planning consent for a section of the Blindwells site where 77 homes are being constructed. The amendment ensures that the condition is consistent with the condition of the main planning permission in principle for the site and has equal flexibility should any element of it need to be revisited.
The relevant application numbers are: Haddington, 23/01448/P; and Blindwells, 23/00453/AMM, 23/00410/AMM and 24/00085/PM.