Planning permission for a two-storey house in Dirleton has been refused by East Lothian Council planning officials, who described it as “harmful” to the historic village’s conversation area.

Applicant Robin Stewart had hoped to build the property on land between the rear of the Castle Inn and the neighbouring house Dragonlea.

The plans would have seen the felling of a number of mature trees and the removal of sections of a historic wall to facilitate vehicle access.

However, planners refused permission on a number of counts, primarily that the development would “neither preserve nor enhance but would be harmful to the character and appearance of this part of the Dirleton conservation area”.

The loss of trees was also noted by planners, who stated: “The proposal results in the loss of trees on the application site and such a loss would harm the contribution they make to the character and appearance of this part of the Dirleton conservation area.”