PLANS to “modernise” Dunbar Cement Plant are being weighed up by East Lothian Council.

Proposals to create a cement mill grinding station, storage silo and various other facilities were lodged with the council planning department earlier this summer.

According to Tarmac, which manages the plant to the east of the town, the move has come about as part of “a continued drive to improve efficiency and sustainability”.

Oliver Curtin, Dunbar Cement Plant manager, said: “We are continually looking for ways to incorporate the most modern technology where possible and improve our offer to customers.

“These plans will help us take the Dunbar cement operation onto another level in terms of efficiency and use of the rail network for transportation across Scotland and England.

“We look forward to hearing from the planning authority over the coming weeks.”

The application covers the development of the plant’s cement grinding and storage capability through a new cement mill and storage silo; and the installation of a new rail loading facility.

According to Tarmac: “Planning permission would enable the company to incorporate the latest technology to deliver several benefits, including an increase in the proportion of cement it exports from the site by rail; a reduction in energy use; and the ability to produce a finer cement which will be used in a higher strength concrete for large-scale infrastructure projects.”

Discussions have already taken place between Tarmac and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) regarding the plans.