A BID to convert an outbuilding on the edge of a floodplain into housing will go to Scottish Ministers after East Lothian councillors rejected the objections of environmental experts.

Planning officials had refused to allow the owners of a former sawmill on the edge of Tyninghame to convert an outbuilding into residential accommodation because environment agency SEPA ruled there was a one-in-200-year risk of flooding.

However, at a meeting of the local authority’s Local Review Body yesterday (Thursday), councillors overturned the decision on appeal after visiting the site at the former Tyninghame Mill.

They were warned that any decision to overrule a SEPA objection would mean the case would have to be put before Scottish Ministers for a final decision.

Councillor Norman Hampshire, review body convenor, said visiting the site had helped members understand the risk of flooding and persuaded him that it was "a risk worth taking".

He said: “This is a historic building in East Lothian and is right on the edge of the floodplain. This will protect the future of the building on this site.

“It will have to be a very big flood to have any effect and I think it is a risk worth taking.”

His view was backed by fellow member Councillor Sue Kempson, who said she would rather have someone living in the building than see it fall into disrepair.

Councillor Stuart Currie also upheld the appeal after pointing out that SEPA’s objection had been made without visiting the site.

He said: “I understand SEPA’s objection but it was modelled on a computer-based system. I do not agree with their objection.”

Council officials will now pass the application appeal to Scottish Ministers.