Dunbar: Councillors set to rule on plans for Starbucks, Lidl and B&M

Planning officials had recommended granting approval to the three national chains but the proposals will now be discussed at the planning committee meeting on Tuesday.

Councillor Donna Collins highlighted the applications to council officials to ensure that the matters were discussed in public.

The Dunbar and East Linton ward member was keen for people to find out more about the proposals.

She said: “I think it is vitally important for the local residents of the area and for the local businesses to have their voice heard on what is happening.

“They can raise concerns and get questions answered on it.”

Lidl and B&M are being proposed for a site on the outskirts of Dunbar

Now, the planning applications will be discussed in public, when residents can air any concerns regarding the plans before members of the planning committee make a decision whether to grant approval.

Up to 80 jobs could be created through the arrival of the supermarket and discount store on land to the east of the town’s garden centre at DunBear Park.

Further jobs would also be created through the Starbucks drive-thru, which is planned for a site to the east of the established McDonald’s restaurant.

Only six letters were sent to the local authority’s planning department about the two sets of proposals.

Just four of those were in objection to either scheme.

The 54.3-acre DunBear Park development is designed around The DunBear, the five-metre-high sculpture near McDonald’s.

The sculpture, created by Andy Scott, who is behind the design of The Kelpies, pays tribute to Dunbar-born naturalist John Muir, who is credited with playing a key role in the establishment of National Parks in the USA.

Three branches

Ken Ross, from Hallhill Developments Ltd, which is among the applicants on both applications, declined to comment until a decision was made.

Lidl’s arrival in Dunbar would give the supermarket chain three branches in the county, following on from Musselburgh and Prestonpans, where B&M also has stores.

Starbucks opened its first East Lothian branch in Haddington earlier this year.

Dunbar Community Council raised concerns, including potential extra traffic on Spott Road, regarding the two applications.

Similarly, pedestrian access from Spott Road was described as “dangerous” due to the lack of pavement on one side of the busy road.

According to the planning officer’s report: “They also raise concern over the wider traffic impacts around Dunbar.

“They also have concerns over crossing points, advising that there is no safe pedestrian crossing point near the existing garden centre.

“In terms of economic impact, Dunbar Community Council state that some residents have welcomed the incoming of a Lidl and B&M; however, others are concerned that there may be an impact on the viability of Dunbar High Street, which has already been affected by the pandemic, by the development of further units at an out-of-town location.”