A BID to turn a former council depot into a community hub has been rejected by Scottish Government Ministers.

North Berwick Community Development Company wanted to buy 1.3 hectares of land at the town’s Lime Grove and turn it into a community hub.

The land was going to be developed on behalf of the community and benefit all ages, with a youth space, multi-purpose room, cafe, soft play area and a hostel among the initial plans.

The bid was rejected by East Lothian Council twice, in May and October last year, and an appeal was then submitted to the Scottish Government.

A community asset transfer must be in place as the land is still owned by the council.

On August 26, ministers turned down the community asset transfer request.

The Scottish Government report said that North Berwick Community Development Company’s (NBCDC) proposals for the site would help develop “strong, resilient and supportive communities” and “tackle inequalities”.

It also said the proposals demonstrated “best value in relation to vision and leadership, governance and accountability, sustainability and equality”.

However, there was uncertainty about financial aspects of the proposals and the likely levels of demand and usage.

Lesley Kay, a director of NBCDC, said: “This is hugely disappointing.

“Over 1,500 members of the North Berwick community pledged their support for the scheme by joining the development company. Community engagement was led by the area partnership and a great deal of work went into this community asset transfer.

“I would like to thank the members of the company for their support.”

NBCDC will hold a meeting of its members to decide the way forward.

Its directors will likely discuss with North Berwick Coastal Area Partnership, the community council and North Berwick Trust other potential options to secure the site.

Lesley added: “NBCDC hopes a way forward can be found to secure the site and release its potential in order to provide the maximum community benefit.”

A council spokesperson said: “The asset transfer request was considered under the agreed process for community asset transfers. Under the terms of the relevant legislation – the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act – it was considered that there was insufficient evidence presented that this request would result in community improvements as suggested, nor did the evidence provided concerning possible funding sources for the project.

“We note that, through the appeals process, an independent reporter considered key documents and assessed the request against legislative criteria, national outcomes and other relevant matters. We have been advised that Scottish Ministers have accepted the findings and recommendations of the reporter and dismissed the appeal and refused the asset transfer request. The future of the site is to be determined.”