THE Coastal Regeneration Alliance is calling on community councils to adopt a Community Charter to safeguard the “assets” surrounding the former Cockenzie Power Station.

The alliance – which is opposing plans by Scottish Enterprise to build an industrial energy park at the former power station and on surrounding land – has produced a first draft of the charter, which it is appealing to the Cockenzie and Port Seton, Prestonpans and Longniddry community councils to sign up to.

It declares the charter’s role is to “establish the cultural heritage of Cockenzie and Port Seton, Prestonpans and Longniddry, and to declare our rights and responsibilities for its improvement and protection”.

Among the assets listed are the people of the communities, their homes, the ecosystem, the coastal location and beautiful views.

The charter, although not a legal document, is based on a similar ground-breaking charter introduced by Larbert, Stirling and Falkirk communities in 2013.

That was the first time one had been produced in Scotland and came as the communities reacted to Dart Energy’s plans to drill the coal beds under their homes and land.

It is intended to give legal effect through the planning process, drawing inspiration from the Community Bills of Rights in the USA.

The charter also refers to the EU Environmental Impact Assessment Directive, which recognises the importance of ‘cultural heritage’ in a broad sense.

The charter states that if cultural heritage is harmed then life is diminished and commits those involved to sustainable development.

It states: “If a threat to our cultural heritage is perceived then we have a fundamental right and responsibility to play an integral role in related decision-making and, should activities proceed without our social licence, to peaceful and civil representation to prevent harm to the assets upon which our community and ecosystem depend.” A spokesperson for the alliance said the Community Charter was still in draft form and community councils involved were being asked to consider supporting it.

It was unveiled at a public meeting of people in Cockenzie and Port Seton last Wednesday evening, when supporters were asked to sign a mandate allowing the alliance to push ahead with a Right to Buy scheme for the land.

The group has become a community company and hopes, with enough support, to be able to register an interest in the land surrounding and including the power station, on residents’ behalf, to establish their own vision for its future.