THE Scottish Government reporter has rejected appeals for a retirement village at Castleton Farm and new housing at Goshen Farm near Musselburgh.

This is a double victory for residents – and for common sense. But I still have deep reservations about the way our planning system works.

Local planning decisions should be taken locally, by our locally elected councillors. If they make the wrong call, they can be held to account at the ballot box. That is local democracy in action.

I am tired of developers, supported by a small army of well-resourced agents and lobbyists, using the appeals system to get round the principle of local decision-making in planning.

I would like to see the system overhauled, removing the right of local appeal to Scottish Ministers altogether.

Since being elected, this is just one of many issues I have focused on as I have been out and about on a listening and learning drive.

I recently visited the Museum of Flight to find out more about developing and supporting local tourist and visitor attractions. I also met staff at Our Community Kitchen in Haddington, learning more about how it will expand its footprint to develop new ways of combatting social isolation.

Last Friday, I had the pleasure of visiting Leuchie House to find out more about how plans for a National Care Service might impact local charitable bodies and the respite care sector.

In all these meetings, one thing shone through: our county’s commitment to make life better for those who live in, work in or visit East Lothian. As a regional MSP, that is my priority and I will be shortly announcing a summer surgery tour.

In the meantime, I am happy to set up meetings with residents, businesses or community groups. I can be reached at craig.hoy.msp@parliament.scot