THE installation of razor wire at a commercial premises have been given the go-ahead, despite being labelled “unnecessary” by an objector.

East Lothian Council’s planning department gave retrospective planning permission to install CCTV and permission for razor wire at a scaffolding business on Cockenzie’s Manse Lane.

Two letters of objection were sent to the local authority, describing the razor wire as “unnecessary” and claiming that the proposals would “negatively impact” the lane’s appearance.

Cockenzie and Port Seton Community Council also commented on the proposals from Michael Burns.

They stated that the razor wire construction was “unsuitable in a mainly residential area which is also a conservation area”.

Despite those concerns, planners approved the application.

The local authority noted that permission was sought retrospectively for the two CCTV cameras, while permission was also sought for the installation of razor wire, which was, in part, replacing previously existing razor wire.

The planning officer stated that the installation of razor wire and trellis to a boundary wall and gate was “somewhat unusual” within a predominantly residential area.

However, they noted that the business there was of an “industrial character” and there was evidence that razor wire had previously been in place.