FARM buildings are a part of East Lothian’s special landscape, councillors have ruled, after giving the go-ahead to a new shed at one of the county’s most scenic spots.

Planning officers had refused to give the go-ahead to a grain store at Cairndinnis Farm near Traprain Law, ruling it would not fit in with the Law’s Special Landscape Area status.

They said the new building, at nearly 10 metres tall and 36 metres by 22 in size, would have an unacceptable impact on views from the area.

However, at a meeting of East Lothian Council’s Local Review Body last month, councillors overruled the decision after declaring farm buildings an acceptable sight in the countryside.

Councillor Lachlan Bruce said that the land surrounding Traprain Law was farmed land and people visiting the area would expect to see agricultural buildings.

He said: “It is not as if we are putting something alien into the landscape.”

Mr Bruce supported an appeal against the officers’ decision to refuse permission for the barn.

He said: “Traprain Law is one of the great sites in East Lothian. I think part of East Lothian’s landscape is that it is worked in land and lived in land.

“I do not think the public are going to be adversely affected.”

Fellow councillor Kate Mackie agreed, adding: “East Lothian has a rich farming tradition and history, and that farming landscape makes East Lothian what it is.”

Review body convenor Councillor Norman Hampshire added his support to the appeal, pointing out that the new grain store would be one of a number of farm buildings already visible and smaller than some already there.

He said: “There is a need for the building in that location to support the business that is there. I think the impact is acceptable to meet that need.”

The planning application was approved unanimously on appeal.