CONTROVERSIAL plans for a care village on the outskirts of North Berwick have been turned down for a second time.

Goldcrest Communities Ltd was refused planning permission for a site at Castleton Farm, to the east of the town, by East Lothian Council in August last year.

The developers took their proposals for 152 residential accommodation and care units for people in need of care and a community hub to the Scottish Government’s Planning and Environmental Appeals Division.

However, this morning (Wednesday), reporter Mike Shiel announced the appeal was dismissed and planning permission refused.

Mr Shiel said there were “no material considerations which would justify granting planning permission”.

He added: “I have considered all the other matters raised, but there are none which would lead me to alter my conclusions.”

More than 500 representations were received against the planning application, with just three in favour.

Paul McLennan, East Lothian's MSP, was delighted with the decision given the local community's "strength of feeling" against the proposals.

The SNP politician said: "This was the wrong development in the wrong place.

"Our COVID recovery will of course require development in East Lothian.

"This application and appeal process has shown that development on this scale must be done in aid of the wellbeing of the whole community and with full consideration of the environmental impact of any work.

"During the election campaign I got to know some of the campaigners on this matter.

"They were steadfast in their principled opposition to this development and succeeded in creating a grass-roots campaign.

"They should be proud of their work."

Labour's Martin Whitfield, South Scotland MSP, echoed the comments of Mr McLennan.

He said: “I’m delighted that the Reporter has reached this decision and upheld East Lothian Council’s rejection of the care village application.

“There was no doubt that the vast majority of local residents opposed the proposal and the community will be relieved that the application has now been dismissed.

“After so many previous appeals having gone the wrong way in the past, it’s good to see the system working the way it should and reflecting public opinion on this proposed development.

“I also commend everyone who campaigned against the proposal for standing up for their community and succeeding in stopping the application.”