PLANS for a Community Right to Buy to be imposed on the Greenhills and Battle of Prestonpans areas have been formally submitted to the Scottish Government.

The Coastal Regeneration Alliance (CRA), which is behind the move to gain public rights to the land, said prohibition notices have been issued to the landowner ScottishPower.

Scottish Ministers will determine whether or not to approve the plans in October.

If approved, the community will have first rights to buy the land if it is being put up for sale.

A spokesperson for the CRA thanked the local communities for supporting their bid.

He said: “Thank you to all that signed the petition to take us to this first step in a long process which will require a motivated and enthusiastic community.

“We will hopefully now have the chance to work in partnership with East Lothian Council, community groups, other organisations and the Battle Trust to achieve the communities’ hopes and aspirations for the future.” Last week, ScottishPower confirmed it was abandoning its plans to build a gas-fired power station at the former Cockenzie power station site. The Courier revealed the energy giant is willing to sell the land to East Lothian Council for a nominal fee.