MEMBERS of the public are invited to have their say on plans to build a new crematorium in East Lothian, close to its boundary with Edinburgh.

Westerleigh Group wants to build the facility off the A1, on the opposite side of the carriageway from the Musselburgh Service Area, close to the junction of the A1 with the City of Edinburgh Bypass at Old Craighall.

The 12-acre site – sandwiched between the eastbound carriageway of the Bypass and westbound carriageway of the A1 – would include a chapel, parking and a landscaped garden of remembrance. It is expected to accommodate an average of five or six services a day.

A proposal of application notice was submitted to East Lothian Council last November.

The next stage of the process is public consultation and this will take place next Thursday (January 14).

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the consultation will take place online, 3-7pm at holderplanning.com

Representatives from the Westerleigh Group will be present to answer questions about the development. Visitors to the virtual consultation will also be able to submit feedback afterwards using the online form.

Roger Mclaughlan, chief executive officer of Westerleigh Group, said: “There is a pressing need for a new crematorium to serve East Lothian; this area already has a large population base which is going to grow further in the coming years, with some significant new housing developments being planned.

“Our proposed new crematorium will also serve the wider Edinburgh City region.

“We pride ourselves on creating and maintaining crematoria which are attractive places for remembrance and reflection, and which are true assets to their local communities.

“The views of local people are very important to us as we always aim to enjoy very positive relationships with the communities around all our sites.

“This facility will create direct employment and indirect employment through complementary services.”