Plans for Haddington's Gardeners Arms are rejected

The Gardeners Arms shut seven years ago, with various planning applications submitted in a bid to breathe new life into the building.

The latest application, from Derek McKenzie, would have seen a “lettable space” on the ground floor, with a studio apartment to the rear, alongside two flats on the upper floors.

However, East Lothian Council’s planning department has turned down the application amid concerns that the development would “result in the reduction and loss of ground floor commercial space within Haddington town centre”.

Documents included within the application had argued about the need for change at the Category B listed building, which was built in the 18th century, on the town’s Kilpair Street.

The supporting statement said: “Attempts have been made to market the property undeveloped for many alternative uses.

“Despite the excellent town centre location and high volume of pass trade, there has been limited interest in the building in its current state.

“An alternative use for the property needs to be found to avoid the building falling into disrepair.

“The current market climate is expected to worsen, and it will only become more challenging to let the building in its current state.”

Drawings included with the application show the “lettable space” and a one-bedroom property on the ground floor.

The first and second floors would have seen two two-bedroom properties created.

Discussions had taken place between those behind the application and East Lothian Council about the demand for such commercial facilities in the town centre.

And while those behind the plans said that Haddington’s “commercial market is not what it was, and the space requirements for business have changed” the local authority hit back.

According to the planning officer's report: “East Lothian Council's economic development department have considerable expertise and experience in marketing/sales/rental costs of property, including the impact the condition of a property has on its value or attracting interest.

“Contrary to what the agent has stated, the council's economic development manager advises that Haddington town centre retains low vacancy rates and there is an active demand for affordable commercial space across various use classes including retail, office and services.

“As such, the council's economic development manager advises that there remains both a policy and economic case to retain commercial activity within the ground floor of this building, which occupies a prominent site within Haddington town centre.”

The application was turned down, with planning officials adding a second reason that there was “no evidence submitted” that the future occupants of the ground-floor flat would be “adequately protected” from noise from existing neighbourhood businesses.