COUNCILLORS have gone against the advice of planning officers to approve a new home in Belhaven.

James Brunton’s plans for a two-storey home on land to the west of 1 Manor Gardens had been recommended for refusal.

However, East Lothian Council’s planning committee went against the recommendation and approved the proposals.

The planning officer had called for the scheme to be rejected amid fears it could lead to the damage or loss of nearby trees.

Planning permission was unanimously approved, with conditions to be agreed between local members and planning officers, including that tree roots are not damaged by activities on site.

One letter of objection had been sent to the council regarding the plans.

Concerns included the loss of trees and also that the property was “out of keeping” with the Belhaven Conservation Area.

Drawings included with the application show an L-shaped property, with the downstairs including a dining area and kitchen, as well a bathroom and lounge. The first floor will feature four bedrooms, including one en-suite, with a dressing area.

The planning officer did not have concerns regarding the style of the property and its impact on the conservation area.

He said: “The proposed dwelling would not significantly alter the pattern and density of the established layout of the houses and other buildings within Manor Gardens and North Street.

“The proposed dwelling would sit comfortably in its relationship with the neighbouring buildings and would not be a crammed form of infill housing development.

“It would have a similar plot density to the other houses of Manor Gardens.

“In its positional circumstance and by virtue of its size, scale, height, positioning, form, design, external materials and enclosed nature behind a high level stone wall and trees, the proposed house would appear appropriate to its location and would not be harmful to the character and appearance of the Belhaven Conservation Area.”