Published: Thursday, 5th June, 2008 8:05am

Stables a racing certainty

PLANS to build a new £2.2 million stable block and community facility on Musselburgh"s Goose Green have been approved by the landowner, East Lothian Council, despite opposition from residents.

On Tuesday, the council"s planning committee unanimously backed the local authority"s own application for the ambitious project, which will include stabling for 105 horses close to the site of the old gas works, new changing and shower rooms for golfers using the historic Old Course and a cafe/bistro.

The racecourse company, which has several councillors on its board of directors, said that the existing stables at Millhill and Goose Green no longer met health and safety requirements.

It was prepared to commit £400,000 towards the cost of the new development, which would be financed by the council and the Common Good Fund.

Seven written objections were received by the council.

These claimed the project would impact negatively on wildlife in the lagoons area and questioned how the community facility would benefit local people.

Planning consultant Richard Heggie, speaking for one of the objectors, claimed the new development would "dilute" the character of the world"s oldest golf course.

He said: 'Links golf courses are supposed to be open and windswept. Wrapping buildings further around the racecourse will dilute the character of a golf course that has been there since the 15th century.'

However, planning official Brian Stalker insisted: 'The development would not wrap around the golf course.

'It would not encroach onto the golf course or alter the setting of the golf course.'

Councillor Andy Forrest (Musselburgh East and Carberry), welcomed the development.

'This would benefit not just the racecourse, but other areas too,' he pointed out.

'It would give the community another venue to use and would encourage more tourists to visit the town.'

He added: 'What has disappointed me has been the way in which the Musselburgh councillors on the racecourse board have been playing to their own egos.

'It has been like watching Rodney and Del Boy trying to sell their own market!'

Opposition Labour group leader, Councillor Willie Innes, added: 'I will support this because it is important to be consistent - unlike some people who were previously against improving the racecourse. It seems that some members of the administration have bought season tickets for the Road to Damascus.'

Council leader, Councillor David Berry, said: 'This is an asset and something needs to be done to support the racetrack. There is no community facility for the residents of the Goose Green area and I agree with Councillor Forest that this will bring in more tourists.'

Social housing is now likely for the Goose Green site and an outline planning application has been submitted for 58 houses on the former gasworks site.