Future of Dunbar's Assembly Rooms cast into doubt

East Lothian Council refused planning permission to transform the Assembly Rooms in March last year and that decision has now been supported by the Scottish Government.

More than 300 people signed a petition backing A A Williamson Ltd’s bid to breathe fresh life into the historic building.

However, last Tuesday, Stuart West, a reporter appointed by Scottish Ministers, refused planning permission again.

The Church Street building dates back to 1822 but now appears on Scotland’s Buildings at Risk Register.

Alexander Williamson outside Dunbar's Assembly Rooms

Currently its upper floors are vacant, while the basement is in use as flats.

Mr West said: “Taking all matters into account, I do not find, on balance, that the positive impacts the development would have on the appearance of the conservation area, and the securing a future use for the upper floors, would outweigh the adverse impacts on the special interest of the building and the road safety implications in an area identified as being problematic for parking and congestion.”

The decision disappointed businessman Alexander Williamson, who is driving the plans.

A spokesperson for Mr Williamson and his family said: “They are devastated and will need to think about a way forward.”

When the plans, which were recommended for approval by council planning officials, went before the local authority’s planning committee in March last year, councillors were split on whether to approve them.

Planning permission for the Assembly Rooms in Dunbar has been turned down

Four councillors – Jeremy Findlay, Neil Gilbert, Kenny McLeod and John Williamson – voted for the scheme to get the go-ahead. However, seven councillors, including ward members Norman Hampshire and Sue Kempson, voted for the proposals to be refused.

Mr Hampshire, who is leader of East Lothian Council, chairs its planning committee and was pleased the proposals had been turned down again.

He said: “I’m absolutely delighted that the reporter has refused this. I do believe there is a way this building could be restored, along with parking on the land at the back.

“It is really important that the owner of the building either takes this forward and develops it doing that or sells it. The parking within that area is really under pressure.

“To put another development without additional parking at the back would have made it dangerous for the people living there.”

READ MORE: Subscribe to the East Lothian Courier for FREE... but offer ends on Monday!

Pippa Swan, chairwoman of Dunbar Community Council, was keen to ensure the building had a future.

She was “surprised” by the decision but added that the reasons for refusal were “well rehearsed”.

She said: “Everybody is supportive of development and any development has got to be respectful of the shape of the Assembly Rooms.”