REVISED plans for a controversial anaerobic digester have been submitted to East Lothian Council.

Proposals were lodged last year for such a facility at Standalane, near Ballencrieff, by J Haig Hamilton and Sons.

The changes include a reduction in the capacity of the facility, which has been capped at 66,000 tonnes.

The visual impact of the development would, say the applicants, also be reduced by setting the facility deeper into the stead and through improved screening, say the applicants.

The proposed development, on farmland between Longniddry and Drem, sits in a natural bowl and the buildings, add the applicants, would be no higher than adjacent trees which will help screen the site. The Standalane proposals are part of a proposed commercial partnership with more than 30 local farms.

Fuel for the proposed facility – which would generate energy from waste – would be grown and sourced locally and would help sustain the agricultural sector in East Lothian.

Haig Hamilton said: “We have succeeded in getting more than 30 local farmers signed up to our proposals. 

“The current climate for agriculture is challenging and this represents an opportunity to help diversify and support the local farming industry. 

“The farms we are working with support 79 local jobs and in total these proposals will help support well over 100 local jobs. It is important that farming is supported in East Lothian and that new ways are found to create sustainable energy resources. We are delighted to be able to bring forward proposals that achieve both of these objectives.”

A first set of proposals are still with the local authority but could be withdrawn shortly.

The original set of plans were opposed by No Gas Works East Lothian, which set up a petition, which attracting more than 700 signatures.

A spokesman for the group told the Courier they would continue to oppose the plans. 

He said: “We were disappointed to discover the applicant has resubmitted their proposal to build one of the UK’s largest gas-to-grid AD plants at Ballencrieff. 

"This means that the hundreds upon hundreds of East Lothian residents and businesses who objected to these proposals will see their objections discarded despite only relatively minor changes.

“We and our supporters feel that this is a grossly unfair use of the planning system and still believe this is a badly thought-out use of good technology, in an unsuitable location. The changes do little to counter the objections of the local community and significantly increase the forecast HGV and tractor traffic generated by the proposed plant. 

“The applicant’s own traffic survey shows it would almost triple HGV volumes during working hours in the vicinity. We are still extremely concerned of the effect the proposed power plant would have on road safety and traffic across the county. The proposed junction is on a very fast overtaking section of the B1377, a known accident blackspot and flooding area. We strongly encourage objectors to the original proposals to consider resubmitting their comments to the council by March 4.”