A BID for a drive-thru coffee shop beside a busy petrol station has been turned down by East Lothian Council.

The development, believed to be a Starbucks, at Fisherrow Service Station would have been created on land to the west of the existing petrol station on Musselburgh’s Edinburgh Road.

However, three years after the proposals were submitted, the local authority has refused planning permission.

Planners have outlined three reasons for turning down the scheme, which, it was claimed, would have created more than 10 jobs.

Officers highlighted the development would be “harmful” to this part of the East Lothian coastal area, while it would also have “a detrimental impact on trees that make a significant positive contribution to the landscape character and amenity of the area”.

Finally, planning officers felt that “the loss of the majority of the large area of existing grassed amenity open space at this prominent location adjacent to the busy classified A199 Edinburgh Road on the western gateway approach into Musselburgh, and close to the Category B listed Fisherrow Harbour, would significantly compromise the landscape setting and amenity value of the site”.

The planning department received a dozen objections from Musselburgh residents.

Concerns included fears that the development would “likely” result in more road and pedestrian accidents, an increase in litter and light pollution, and the loss of green space.

Musselburgh and Inveresk Community Council was consulted about the proposals, submitted by The Motor Fuel Group, and they highlighted residents had been in touch to raise concerns about access and noise, as well as the loss of open space.

A spokesman for the developers said it was "too early" to say if an appeal would be lodged against the decision, with options currently being weighed up.