THE man behind controversial proposals for an anaerobic digester near Ballencrieff has described the scheme as a “game changer”.

Revised plans were lodged earlier this month for the facility at Standalane by J Haig Hamilton and Sons.

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

The proposals to use farm and brewing produce to make energy have so far recruited more than 30 farmers from the county, although concerns have been raised by those against the scheme that the site is unsuitable.

Mr Hamilton said: “This is a well-tested model for providing a secure income for farmers and producing a long-term sustainable energy supply. Whilst I would stress this is not a panacea for the farming industry, it could be a game changer for the businesses involved by providing secure long-term funding.”

The proposed development, on farmland between Drem and Longniddry, sits to the south of the B1377 and west of the A6137.

Mr Hamilton added that the plans would help protect jobs in the area.

He said: “The alternative may be continued decline, with more and more farmers turning to alternative income generation such as housing development.

“East Lothian has a proud tradition as one of the key ‘breadbaskets’ of Scotland, but even that has been no defence against some of the most harsh trading conditions any of us have faced.

“Our proposals will both grow and protect jobs in local agriculture and they will unquestionably help farms and farmers.

“I have been hugely impressed with the enthusiasm there has been for our proposals from farmers and with the high proportion of the local industry that has signed up to provide feedstock for the proposals.”

Kenny Barr, National Farmers Union for Scotland’s regional manager for the Lothians, highlighted the proposals could provide “long-term security” for East Lothian’s traditional industries.

He said: “In such a challenging climate, it is more important than ever that farmers find innovative ways to succeed. What is exciting about the proposals is that there is the chance to create a unique partnership involving over 30 local farms that will help grow income and support jobs.

“More than that, the proposals for Standalane could provide long-term security for one of East Lothian’s traditional industries.”

However, the scheme has not won favour with everyone. The original proposals were opposed by No Gas Works East Lothian, who set up a petition, which attracted more than 700 signatures.

A spokesman for the group encouraged people to re-submit their objections to East Lothian Council before the deadline next Friday (March 4).

He said: “The local community welcomes initiatives to stimulate the agricultural sector. However, any proposal to concentrate significant volumes of agricultural and HGV traffic to a single location should be considered with the utmost scrutiny on grounds of road safety, traffic and pollution.

“Hundreds of local residents, businesses and farmers went to considerable efforts to voice their objections to the original proposals. Their comments have now been discarded due to the recent submission of a second set of proposals.

“There has been a disappointing absence of community engagement, and increases to proposed transport volumes and delivery hours in the new application mean an even worse deal for local residents and businesses than before.”