A BID to build a renewable energy facility on land near Ballencrief has been dismissed by the Scottish Government.

The plans for an anaerobic digester at land at Standalane were originally turned down by East Lothian Council’s planning committee last June.

J Haig Hamilton & Sons’ proposals would have seen a plant built on just under two hectares, with a promise of taking crops from local farmers, using them to create renewable electricity and gas, and returning to the farms the by-products of liquid fertiliser and soil conditioner.

The proposals had been recommended for approval by planning officers, but councillors voted 10-6 against them last summer.

An appeal was then lodged to the Scottish Government, and Dannie Onn, reporter, carried out a site visit in November last year.

This week, his final report was submitted, confirming the appeal had been dismissed.

Mr Onn said: “The presumption in favour of development that contributes to sustainable development is a significant material consideration in this case.

“However, the location of the plant is not supported by SPP [Scottish Planning Policy] and the net economic benefit is not established. Taken together with the harm I have found to the character and appearance of the area, this conflict with other policies in the SPP significantly outweighs that presumption.

“I conclude that the proposed development does not accord overall with the relevant provisions of the development plan and that there are no material considerations which would still justify granting planning permission.”

David Chalmers, a local farmer who campaigned against the proposals, said: “There will be a palpable sense of relief amongst the thousand-plus objectors, as well as local businesses and residents, that this wholly unsuitable development has now been wholeheartedly rejected and that common sense has prevailed.

“This is a victory for community activism and one hopes that other developers will take note of what local people can achieve by standing up to big business.”

Applicant Haig Hamilton, meanwhile, said he was “deeply disappointed” with the decision.

He told the Courier: “The farming industry faces even greater challenges than it did when our original proposals were drawn up.

“The consequences of Brexit take our industry into uncharted territory, and there remains an urgent need to develop new means of delivering green energy.

“We accept the verdict – if not the terms – and we remain committed to continuing to grow thriving businesses that support hundreds of jobs and families in the area.”