A SNACK bar in “an important tourist destination” has been given the go-ahead – despite concerns from residents and two neighbouring community councils.

Temporary permission allowing the snack bar, which will serve Middle Eastern food, to be in place at John Muir Country Park’s Linkfield car park was given by East Lothian Council’s planning department.

That came in the face of a trio of letters objecting to the scheme, and Dunbar and West Barns Community Councils also highlighting concerns.

Among the objections were the siting of the snack bar on an existing grass area, rather than transforming the “rundown toilet block”.

Fears that there would be “no additional economic value and any additional employment would be offset by an equal loss of employment elsewhere” were also raised.

The community councils also feared the introduction of the snack bar would result in an increase in litter and a hazard for wildlife.

However, the planning officer noted that the operator had vowed that there would be a litter control plan in place, with recycling and waste bins provided.

The snack bar will be located within the car park from 8.30am to 7.30pm from March to October and up until 4.30pm through the winter months.

East Lothian Council has granted planning permission to Matsform Ltd for three years.

Documents included with the planning application show it would offer hot and cold drinks, as well as a variety of hot and cold sandwiches.

The planning officer’s report notes: “The proposed snack van is a business use that would serve visitors to the area who are participating in coastal and countryside activities based around and within John Muir Country Park.

“Consequently, the siting of the snack van and the provision of food and drink from it requires this coastal location.

“Therefore, and as it would benefit and further the enjoyment of the visiting public, it is a use that would enable and enhance the attraction of John Muir Country Park as a popular tourist destination.”

Among the conditions attached to the approval is that a “minimum” of one litter bin must be provided next to the snack bar at all times and that the area should be kept litter free.

When the proposals were submitted, a spokeswoman for East Lothian Council confirmed that anyone looking to have a snack bar on the site would pay a lease.

She said: “These pitches were all marketed for offers over £1,500 p.a.”