SUNKEN holidays lodges at a “remote” location beside a golf course south of Gifford have been given the go ahead despite a dozen objections.
Twenty-eight holiday lodges will boast views over Castle Park Golf Club and the surrounding countryside.
The scheme, from JAD Homes, was approved by East Lothian Council’s planning department but attracted concerns from members of the public and the Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland.
When the application was submitted in the spring, it was claimed it could generate more than £2 million for the local economy each year.
Craig McLachlan, who manages the 18-hole course, was “delighted” the scheme, which is expected to cost about £3 million, had been given the green light.
He said: “We have had an amazing response from people. I think a lot of people, not just us, are finding it quite an exciting prospect going forward.
“A lot of people seem to be very positive and looking forward to it, which does not surprise me but it is nice when people go out of their way to say things like that.”
More than 60 documents were submitted to the local authority for the “secluded sheltered retreat for guests”.
The intention is to “bury” the lodges, which would be a mix of one and two-bedroom properties, at ground level as much as possible.
East Lothian Council received 16 letters regarding the plans, with three backing the scheme.
Among the concerns from objectors was the rural location and the expected increase in traffic.
The Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland said: “The settlements local to the area are small in size, often with only a few houses, generally modest cottages built with traditional materials.
“The introduction of a holiday village would dramatically change the character of the area.
“It should be acknowledged that the surrounding area is remote and at a higher elevation than other parts of East Lothian, even Gifford. There are fewer services, narrower roads, poor communications, adverse weather conditions, especially in winter.”
Another objector questioned the need for further tourist accommodation in the area.
They said: “Gifford has two hotels offering accommodation.
“There are numerous websites showing local accommodation in the Gifford area.
“Airbnb alone shows 17 accommodation sites in the local Gifford/Bolton/Carfrae part of the Lammermuirs, depending on how big you make the map – we have excluded Haddington for example.
“We were able to find accommodation locally, at suitable times throughout the year, had we wished to make a booking.
“We therefore doubt there is insufficient accommodation for local tourist needs.”
However, there were those who backed the plans, with one describing it as “a great application”.
They said: “The jobs that this will create are very much in need locally. I also feel this will help local businesses greatly and boost the community as a whole.”
Another described the proposals as “brilliant” and said: “It will provide additional and much-needed tourism money in the area all year round.”
Mr McLachlan, who was previously chairman of Gifford Community Council, felt the proposals would give the whole of East Lothian – not just the Gifford area – a boost.
He was hopeful work could start within nine months and said the project could create between 10 and 20 jobs.
He said: “I’m hoping at some stage during the next nine months we will be able to get something happening with it, which would be wonderful. Once we start it, they will be there very quickly. Once we finally get it moving, it will be hammer and tongs till it is open.”
A second planning application, submitted to East Lothian Council by Castle Park Golf and Leisure LLP, for a family home to be created beside the existing clubhouse, remains undetermined.
The one-and-a-half storey property would join onto the existing clubhouse.
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