Concerns have been raised over a planning application for Gypsy Traveller pitches in Tranent.

The part-retrospective planning application, for land at Muirpark Steading, has been lodged with East Lothian Council and was the subject of heated debate at a recent meeting of Tranent and Elphinstone Community Council (TECC).

The application is for four individual permanent pitches, each able to hold three caravans, and the building of an amenity block for showers, a toilet and kichen facilities. A wall has been build around the site.

A supporting statement submitted to the council said: “This planning application is submitted for the retrospective development and proposed works at Muirpark Steading, currently a site occupied by Mr Jason Irvine and his extended family for a permanent Gypsy Traveller site (residential and business purposes).

“The Government provides guidance for the layout and specifications related to Gypsy and Travellers sites and this statement reflects how the owner has taken into consideration these guidelines making provision for his extended family needs.

“The proposals are all in retrospect, with some new development proposed (siting of seven caravans and internal road surfacing). ” It adds: “The applicant has purchased land at Muirpark Steading which is considered suitable for a permanent Gypsy Travellers site to allow him and his extended family to live and undertake his business activities.

“The layout and design are in accordance with Government guidance, making provision for all that is needed to allow for the peaceful enjoyment of their property, and to live a private and family life.” However, community councillors are firmly against the proposals.

Colin Martin, TECC chairman, said: “It’s obvious that this [applicant] has done this for commerical purposes. It costs the council a fortune to move [travellers] on and they just turn up somewhere else.

“It is unattractive and it has a very high wall.” Meanwhile vice-chairman David Forrest described the part-retrospective application as “a blatant abuse of planning” and encouraged the community council to make an objection.

Community councillor Robert McNeill was also keen to see the community council object.

He said: “If you allow these people in now then I think it will attract people to the area. Could they end up everywhere if we let them in now?” The members agreed to lodge an objection to the plans and that was sent to the council earlier this month.

Work on the site was last carried out in September 2014.