THE planning go-ahead has been given for conversion of part of The Quay complex at Musselburgh to create 29 bedrooms for guests.

Twenty-five of the bedrooms would be formed in the existing gym and leisure centre, which would be lost from the New Street facility, an East Lothian Council planning report stated.

Four guest rooms and a laundry would be created at first-floor level in the existing function suite.

The entrance to the leisure centre would be altered to give access to the bedroom accommodation and a new window arrangement would be added to the front and back of the property. Two new disabled car parking spaces would be established for the new accommodation.

The development has been granted planning permission by council officials.

Three objections were received, raising concerns about parking problems in the locality and noise from additional guests, functions and construction activity, as well as loss of the gym and leisure centre.

Planners ruled that the hotel bedroom accommodation would “enhance” the existing facilities at The Quay, and would benefit the leisure and tourism economy of Musselburgh.

They stated: “The council’s road services raises no objection to the proposed development, being satisfied that there would be sufficient parking to serve 29 bedrooms.”

Back in August when the plan was lodged with the council, owner Charan Gill told the Courier that alteration work would not be carried out in the “foreseeable future”, which is still the case.

He added: “The reason for the application is to have alternative plans for The Quay in the future and keep our options open in an ever-changing business environment.”

In December 2009, planning permission was granted for alterations and an extension, and part change of use of the building to form 29 bedrooms and a meeting room. This consent was never implemented and lapsed in December 2012.