SCOTTISHPOWER could be set to hand over the former Cockenzie Power Station site and surrounding land to East Lothian Council for a fraction of its worth, the Courier understands.

The energy giant, which this week confirmed it was abandoning plans for a gas-fired power station, is understood to have made it clear to the local authority it is willing to transfer ownership of the land for a nominal fee.

Although both sides remain tight-lipped about any deal at this stage, the Courier understands an offer was made at a meeting between officials from both sides on Monday.

Council leader and ward councillor Willie Innes, who has wanted the land to come into public ownership since debates about its future began, this week said it would be in the “best interests” of the communities to have it under council control.

He said: “We need to look at how we see the site being redeveloped. I believe, as I have from the start, that it is in the public’s best interest to have it in public ownership and the council is the most appropriate vehicle to assume responsibility.

“With the announcement the gas power station is no longer going ahead, we can now look at developing a masterplan for the area as part of our local development plan.” The announcement by ScottishPower on Tuesday came as little surprise to those involved in plans for the future of the site. The energy market had sparked concerns about the feasibility of the new power station.

The energy giant received planning permission from the Scottish Government for a 1,000MW gas-fired Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) station on the site of its former plant in 2011.

In a statement, the company said: “ScottishPower has confirmed it will not be progressing with the development of a CCGT plant at Cockenzie.” East Lothian MP George Kerevan urged the local authority to do all it could to gain control of the site.

He said: “East Lothian Council should seize the opportunity with open arms and take control of the plant.

“It is a wonderful stroke of good fortune; it is rare that the community get the chance to take on land such as this.” Mr Kerevan added it was his understanding “ScottishPower would be happy to assign ownership to the council for a nominal fee”.

ScottishPower, however, insisted it was still open to negotiations.

A spokesperson said: “We will be talking to all interested parties in the future.” East Lothian MSP Iain Gray, who supported community action to safeguard the site against proposals by Scottish Enterprise for a marine energy park which were eventually dropped, also said the site needed to come into public ownership.

He said: “The site is a complex mix of asset and liability and it would be good if a way could be found to bring the site into public ownership, thus giving greater democratic control over what happens to it.” While Councillor John McMillan, council spokesperson for economic development and tourism, added: “It is disappointing ScottishPower will not be going ahead with plans for a gas power station on the Cockenzie site, as it would have provided a jobs boost for East Lothian.

“However, we will continue to have dialogue with them on the future of the site, which remains a key one in terms of potential employment and community benefit.”