A PLAN for a new community centre next to the village bowling green at Whitecraig has received planning consent.

The application, for “the erection of community centre/hall/cafe/creche and associated works”, has been approved by East Lothian Council.

But, because of the area’s mining heritage, site investigations will have to be concluded before any development takes place, as it is within a Coal Authority High Risk Area.

The new community facility will be built on the site of the village bowling club’s old clubhouse, which was demolished three years ago.

Deantown Welfare Bowling Club still use the green at the site, on Whitecraig Avenue, and new changing facilities for bowlers are also included in the plans.

The design statement, submitted as part of the application, reads: “The site is owned by East Lothian Council and is currently a gap site located within the residential area of Whitecraig, which used to house the old Deantown Bowling Club clubhouse.”

The project will see the existing community centre, on Whitecraig Crescent, replaced.

The design statement added that the new community centre would be a “focal point for the village” and “suitable for a range of uses”.

A car park to the north of the building will have 11 spaces including for disabled users. Vehicle and pedestrian access will be from Whitecraig Avenue.