PLANS for a ‘snack shack’ on the edge of John Muir Country Park have stirred debate.

A mobile snack bar could be located on the grass area off Belhaven’s Shore Road – opposite the junction with Back Road – if a planning application by Angela Cairney is approved.

Proposals submitted to East Lothian Council include an image of a snack bar selling food including bacon and sausage rolls, burgers and snacks.

Pippa Swan, chairwoman of the town’s community council, told the Courier she was “completely taken aback” when she saw the plans. She said: “It just seems completely alien.”

Information about the application, which due to the location of the proposals saw only two neighbours notified of the plans, has been circulated around the community council.

Mrs Swan, who also had concerns about the potential for strong cooking smells being generated by the business, said the group would decide whether or not to object to the plans.

The community council has also highlighted the plans on its Facebook page – with responses mixed.

Jackie Auld said: “Great idea! It’s been needed for a long time. Belhaven is buzzing most of the year now.”

Meanwhile, Stephanie Hamilton said: “The noise, smell, impact of increased activity and the visual impact of a van right at the bottom of the hill which is an entrance point to Belhaven are a few reasons why the location of this should really be considered carefully.”

And Fiona Davidson said: “I think some sort of food van would be brilliant, as well as serving hot drinks, ice creams, some better quality food or hot meat sandwiches.”