WORK is under way to create a second petrol station in Haddington.

A metal frame for the development has been constructed at Haddington Retail Park, on the town’s western edge. The petrol station, which will also include a retail unit, was approved by East Lothian Council in October 2019.

The petrol station was proposed by Euro Garages Ltd/EPIC (No2) Ltd.

Haddington’s community council was among those asked for their opinion on the proposals.

According to the planning officer’s report: “They have suggested that the developers should reduce the size of the convenience store attached to the petrol filling station as well as putting time restrictions on it until the potential impact of increased traffic flow and noise can be determined.

“Concern is also raised with regards to impact of the proposal on the vitality and viability of the town centre of Haddington.”

Chris McEwan, chairman of the community council, welcomed the addition of a new petrol station.

He said: “There has not been good competition for fuel in Haddington since the Ideal Garage closed.

“Although I do think our local Jet garage is run by a local family, for consumers it will probably be a good thing.”

Euro Garages declined to comment on the project. It is currently unclear when the petrol station could open or who would operate the facility.

Meanwhile, construction work on a neighbouring site – rumoured to be for a Starbucks drive-thru – is continuing.

The site, to the east of the newly opened retail park, was originally earmarked for a pub/restaurant but plans never materialised. Instead, a coffee shop with outdoor seating area, proposed by Euro Garages, was approved in April 2019.