Published: Thursday, 14th May, 2009 7:00am

Historic Scotland defied

COUNCILLORS have approved plans to convert an historic town centre flat into two separate dwellings - despite officials recommending the proposed development be rejected.

East Lothian planning officers were left red-faced last Tuesday when the application for listed building consent for the first floor property at 97M High Street was passed by an overwhelming 12-1 majority.

No letters of objection had been received in respect of the application for the former East Lothian Bank category B listed building, which dates from the 18th century and is deemed to be of special architectural or historic interest.

However, Historic Scotland had advised that the proposed sub-division would result in a 'radical' change to the hall of the flat, and recommended the plans be vetoed.

The council"s development control manager, Brian Stalker, told the committee: 'We have consulted with Historic Scotland informally and if the council was to grant listed building consent there would be a statutory requirement to inform Historic Scotland of the decision. They would have 28 days to decide - using their power as a government agency - whether to call it in.

'Their advice is that consent should not be given and if we go against this recommendation then it could end up being called in for a decision by Scottish ministers.'

Architect John Fryall, for applicant G Scott, slammed the recommendation. 'Historic Scotland are advisors to the council - they are not running East Lothian!' he fumed.

'Their claims regarding the hall are unsubstantiated. I brought in an independent consultant who cannot be questioned. It is my professional capability that I am putting on the line for this because I believe my client has been ill done to.'

Giving his backing to the proposals, Labour ward councillor Norman Hampshire pointed out: 'Virtually every property in Dunbar High Street is listed. In the 20 years I have been on the planning committee a number of similar applications for High Street properties have come before us with no objection from Historic Scotland.'

Conservative group leader Ludovic Broun-Lindsay was the only planning committee member to vote against approval.