A BID to see up to 300 new homes built on the outskirts of Musselburgh has been kicked into touch.

Developers BDW Trading Ltd/Ashfield Commercial Properties Ltd lodged an appeal with Scottish Ministers in October last year – more than three years after applying to East Lothian Council for planning permission in principle to build the houses at Goshen Farm, on the eastern edge of the town.

The move came after the local authority failed to determine the application within the statutory time period.

East Lothian Council urged the Planning and Environmental Appeals Division to turn down the proposals, highlighting it would lead to “an unacceptable loss of prime agricultural land”.

Similarly, Musselburgh and Prestonpans’ community councils had joined forces in opposition to the scheme.

Today, (Wednesday), Mike Shiel, a reporter appointed by the Scottish Ministers, announced the appeal had been dismissed and planning permission was refused.

Councillor Stuart Currie, who represents the Musselburgh ward, described the announcement as “another great result”.

He said: "This is a very welcome decision by the reporter to dismiss the appeal and refuse planning consent for houses to be built on Goshen Farm.

"In 2015 I made clear my view that this was the wrong development in the wrong place.

"I am yet to find a single constituent who thought it was a good idea and as a local councillor I am so pleased for the community and all the campaigners who stepped up to say no, a view shared by the reporter today.

"This must be the end of the matter and I hope it sends a clear signal that communities value our green space.”