CONTROVERSIAL plans for East Lothian’s first crematorium have been halted.

Plans to convert Alderston House, north of Haddington, were approved by East Lothian Council’s planning committee in September 2014.

Councillors were split on Mark Lamb’s proposal, which was criticised amid claims it could lead to the loss of dozens of potential jobs and put one of Scotland’s leading dairy farms in jeopardy.

The proposals were called in by local councillors Tom Trotter and John McMillan, who felt it was the wrong site for a crematorium.

Mr McMillan highlighted that the scheme had ground to a halt at the town’s community council meeting last month, after the sale of the building fell through.

The councillor said: “While it would have been appropriate for the county to have a crematorium, my own thoughts were that it was the wrong place.

“I’m hoping it allows us to look at other options for Alderston House.”

Mr McMillan highlighted that there had been previous discussions looking at the building – which is listed as being of special architectural or historic interest – including the potential for a youth hostel and museum.

He added: “For me, I had always felt there were other potential uses for that site.

“There were important buildings nearby to protect and other business interests, but there is so much local use, with people walking and cycling, that I felt that in terms of the effect on the community it was not the right place.”

Mr Trotter had not heard any reasoning for the deal falling through but was keen for a use for the site to be found.

He said: “I would certainly not be against the idea of a crematorium in East Lothian, obviously on the correct site, but at the time I did agree with the people who objected to it being there.

“My wider concerns are now for the building itself and the quicker something turns up for it the better.

“If you are standing up there with your back to the building, what a view.”

The councillor noted it had previously been used by the council and felt it could have “various functions” in the future, but stressed he was keen for it to find a use.

In 2014, councillors voted nine to eight in favour of the application, despite objections from residents and Haddington and District Amenity Society (HADAS).

On the news that the deal has fallen through, a spokesman for HADAS said: “HADAS has always felt that Alderston House was an unsuitable location for a crematorium.

“It is too close to existing residences and the drawing of traffic into the area on a regular basis could have impacted seriously on the service offered by an important nearby business, which has a growing national reputation and is a significant employer.

“The committee expressed the view that a more suitable user should be found as soon as possible so the future of this building can be secured.”

A council spokeswoman said: “The sale was due to be complete this month but will not now go ahead.

“The council is reviewing whether to remarket the property for sale or consider the future operational use of the building.”