PLANNERS have rejected a bid for three homes on the outskirts of Elphinstone after deeming it was development in the countryside – despite 90 homes being built on the opposite side of the road.

Carol Auld had hoped to have three two-storey homes constructed to the south of the B6414 on the western edge of the village.

However, East Lothian Council’s planning department has rejected the proposals.

The planning officer’s report highlighted three reasons for turning down the scheme, including that the homes “would be new build housing development in the countryside” on land not allocated for a housing development.

Officials also deemed that the development would not provide suitable parking for residents and visitors, while stating that there was “no evidence submitted that the future occupants of these houses could be adequately protected from noise from existing neighbouring agricultural businesses”.

When the plans were submitted earlier this year, it was noted that the three homes would be for Mrs Auld and her daughters on land they own “immediately” to the south of the ongoing Bellway development site.

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Tony Thomas, of APT Planning & Development, who is representing the applicant, argued that the houses being built to the north meant they were “redefining the shape and size of the Elphinstone settlement”.

A statement submitted with the application outlined how the context of the site had changed “dramatically” and said: “It no longer has the character of a grass field/paddock just outside the village, but will be very much part of the western edge of Elphinstone providing visual (and stylistic) balance to the development on the north of the road into the village.”

Drawings with the application showed that one home would feature a ground-floor bedroom alongside a lounge, dining/kitchen and sitting area.

The second home would include a garage instead of a ground-floor bedroom and the final home had a smaller sitting area and a study.

Upstairs, all three homes would have four bedrooms.

Tranent and Elphinstone Community Council made no comment on the proposals but there were two letters from members of the public objecting.

According to the planning officer’s report, concerns included that the site was not allocated for development, that the village’s current housing stock was “more than adequate, making further development on this site unnecessary” and that the development “threatens to irreversibly diminish the natural beauty and charm of our surroundings, which attract visitors and cyclists to this part of Elphinstone”.

The Bellway development, Elfenne Gardens, on the opposite side of the road, features three and four-bedroom homes.