PLANS to transform a 1.5-hectare site off Dunbar High Street have been given the green light by East Lothian Council.

The Ridge (Scotland) CIC submitted plans at the beginning of June for the ‘Backlands’ area, to the rear of 72-88 High Street, which would see a community garden created, as well as a venue for occasional markets.

The scheme was given the go ahead by council officials this month and the announcement was welcomed by Adrian Girling, Backlands development officer of The Ridge.

He said: “We’re delighted to hear we have got planning permission. We’re going to work hard to make it a positive addition to the town.” Work is already under way to look at the future of the site, with The Ridge working to create 3D images of how the site could look when it is finished.

The site is currently split into four and owned by three different parties. One section is owned by a private party, who owns the shop and its garden area but rents the shop to a local business owner.The Co-op owns another section, while East Lothian Council owns the remaining two areas.

Agreements are being drawn up between The Ridge, the Co-op and the private individual.

The land will then become a community garden space, as well a training garden and a training building.

Community markets are also being lined up to showcase produce from both East Lothian and further afield.

The Ridge’s planning statement notes there would be 10 markets per year and adds: “All markets will have eight stalls selling six East Lothian-based drinks produce (juice, tea, coffee, beer, cider, spirits) and two producers from outwith the county, The Ridge Cafe stall selling tea, coffee and bacon rolls, four craft stalls and two artist stalls.

“We have decided to create a niche market distinct from anything else in East Lothian and it will work well with Dunbar’s existing business landscape as we will be able to encourage footfall to High Street on market days.” The Ridge aims to provide training and skills development opportunities to young people through working with schools, the job centre and others.

Speaking when the plans were submitted, Mr Girling said: “This has loads of potential to be a cracking place for people to work, rest, learn and play in the heart of Dunbar. So we will work openly and within our community here to make this a success.

“I know from working at theSPACE in North Berwick what it means and what it takes to create a community around a shared passion and a shared space, so hopefully we can get some of that going in the Backland sites we are trying to bring back to life.” The Ridge gave a presentation to the town’s community council last month, which was also attended by ward councillor Norman Hampshire.

The local authority’s spokesman for housing and the environment told the Courier the land had previously been considered for housing but was not of good enough quality.

He said: “I think to get the Backlands back into use again – it is quite a derelict site – will be welcomed by people in Dunbar.

“The aspiration is to have a market in the small lane that leads to the Co-op and that will attract people from High Street towards the Co-op and give some life to the Backlands area.

“It will bring footfall to High Street.”