OFFERS are being weighed up to buy an impressive building which had previously been earmarked for East Lothian’s first crematorium.

Plans to convert Alderston House, north of Haddington, were given the go-ahead by East Lothian Council’s planning committee four years ago.

However, the sale of the property then fell through and the crematorium plan was shelved.

East Lothian Council, which owns the site, then put the building on the market again.

A closing date for offers was set at the end of October, with the council seeking bid of more than £795,000.

A spokeswoman for East Lothian Council told the Courier: “A couple of offers were received which are currently being considered.”

The B-listed Georgian mansion house comes with extensive garden grounds and woodland totalling nearly 5.5 acres.

According to East Lothian Council: “The property comprises a substantial pedimented main house of three storeys and sunken basement built around 1790 with ashlar stone front elevation and pitched slate roof.

“The building has an impressive frontage with a central porch incorporating two pairs of Doric columns.

“There are additional wings to the west and east and a central rear block.

“An ice house which is also listed is situated at the rear of the house.

“The grounds are laid out with lawns to the front and sides with mature trees and shrubs.

“Access to the property is via a driveway up to the front of the house.

“There is an additional access serving the rear of the property and a large tarmacadamed car park to the east.”

Plans to turn the building into a crematorium were approved in September 2014.

Speaking after the sale of the property had fallen through last March, Councillor John McMillan, Provost of East Lothian, said: “While it would have been appropriate for the county to have a crematorium, my own thoughts were that it was the wrong place. I’m hoping it allows us to look at other options for Alderston House.”

Until September 2010, the building was used by East Lothian Council as offices for various departments.

Since then, the council has carried out repairs and maintenance work to keep the building as watertight as possible but extensive repair/replacement works are required.

Alderston House has potential, says the local authority, for conversion for residential, social and community purposes or for hotel/conference use.