TWO of East Lothian’s conservation watchdogs have joined forces to call for changes to the planning system, which is “letting down communities”.

Musselburgh Conservation Society and Haddington and District Amenity Society are urging the Scottish Government, which is in the process of preparing a new planning bill, to take urgent action to rebuild public confidence in any new legislation.

They want East Lothian ruled out as a location for major housing development due to environmental constraints, lack of local jobs and rail capacity.

The groups stated in their submission: “Ordinary people have lost confidence in the system’s ability to deliver new housing in the right locations related to jobs and to transport infrastructure, and in a way which will enhance, not reduce, the quality of life.

“They feel that developers are in effect in charge, supported at appeals, and that the views of local people seem to count for little or nothing, in spite of the opportunities seemingly offered for involvement.

“The understandable driver is a quest for new housing based upon urgent need, but there is often scant regard for the local and wider impact. Confidence needs to be rebuilt as a matter of urgency.”

The groups hit out at the “democratic deficit” that has been created by Scottish Government reporters “consistently” overruling local authority decisions on housing developments in the county.

The submission stated: “We believe that there is a case for a change to planning legislation which removes the right of appeal where a council or planning committee decision to refuse an application is unanimous, is in line with the officer recommendation and reflects the expressed views of local people. Ideally, the Scottish Reporters Unit should be truly independent of government. Certainly, it should have revised terms of reference which ensure that weight given to objectors’ arguments, and especially to sustainability issues, is always fair and proportionate.

“We need to get back to a plan-led system with robust and sensible plans formulated with proper input from local communities.

“It should be made easier for local authorities to fund and employ compulsory purchase orders to secure development that is needed and supported by the local community.

“We need measures and mechanisms to ensure, through proper assessment and appropriate phasing, that all necessary infrastructure is in place before new housing is built, particularly transport. Class 1 agricultural land should be given the same level of protection as listed buildings.

“We believe the time has come to prioritise in the Strategic Development Plan and Local Plan proposals for new settlements featuring housing and jobs located relatively close to Edinburgh on transport corridors where there is carrying capacity.”

Kevin Stewart MSP, minister for local government and housing, said: “We’re committed to ensuring we have a planning system that works for everyone, and place high priority on the delivery of good-quality housing that can contribute to the creation of successful and sustainable communities.

“We recently welcomed the independent review of the Scottish planning system and are currently taking forward a collaborative programme of work to determine the scope of further planning reform. We will consult on options for change this winter. “In the meantime, like the independent panel, we recognise the importance of ensuring that local communities have a say in the future of their places. Consultations on the East Lothian Local Development Plan and the proposed Strategic Development Plan for Edinburgh and its surrounds are still under way, and I would encourage all interested parties to submit their views.”