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Edinburgh Reporter
7 days ago
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
Views sought on East Lothian Council buildings including Brunton Theatre
The future of East Lothian council buildings including The Brunton Theatre, has been put to the public as the local authority looks to save £3,6m in running costs. A new survey has been launched seeking residents views on the use of 29 buildings ranging from the RAAC-hit theatre to village halls, libraries and local offices. They are being asked to describe the value the buildings bring to their communities as well as for views on how they could be used in future. East Lothian Council said the month long survey which includes drop in sessions across the county is an 'engagement process' and a chance for people to have a say over how its properties are used. They said: 'While there are no plans to stop or reduce these services, new approaches to the operation of buildings could help ensure the council has good quality, well used assets within local communities offering modern and flexible facilities to meet the needs of local residents. 'This could be achieved by using buildings differently, for example in some communities co-locating services which might currently be delivered from different buildings under one roof. 'There could also be opportunities for communities to take over the running of some buildings – such as by leasing them, community asset transfer or looking at opportunities with community planning partners and others.2 Among the buildings being discussed in the survey is The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh, which is closed and expected to be demolished after the discovery of crumbling concrete known as RAAC in its ceiling. People are asked whether they used the theatre before it shut its doors, what they believe it brings to the community and if the council 'need to replace the Brunton Hall & Theatre'. Also in the survey are the council's Haddington headquarters John Muir House alongside the attached former courthouse, which is owned by the local authority. People are asked about the head office 'are there any ways of making savings or increasing / generating income at this building that could be explored?' Participants in the survey are told the could has approved savings including £3.6m from reducing current operational property running costs, alongside £23.4m capital receipts from land and property sales. The council said: 'In order to support these challenges, it is hoped this placed based asset review will ensure the council operates good quality and well utilised buildings with modern facilities in a sustainable and efficient way.' Drop in sessions are being held next month at various sites. By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter Like this: Like Related
Edinburgh Live
7 days ago
- General
- Edinburgh Live
Future of East Lothian buildings including Brunton Theatre put to the public
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info The future of East Lothian council buildings including The Brunton Theatre, has been put to the public as the local authority looks to save £3,6m in running costs. A new survey has been launched seeking residents views on the use of 29 buildings ranging from the RAAC-hit theatre to village halls, libraries and local offices. They are being asked to describe the value the buildings bring to their communities as well as for views on how they could be used in future. East Lothian Council said the month long survey which includes drop in sessions across the county is an 'engagement process' and a chance for people to have a say over how its properties are used. They said: "While there are no plans to stop or reduce these services, new approaches to the operation of buildings could help ensure the council has good quality, well used assets within local communities offering modern and flexible facilities to meet the needs of local residents. "This could be achieved by using buildings differently, for example in some communities co-locating services which might currently be delivered from different buildings under one roof. "There could also be opportunities for communities to take over the running of some buildings – such as by leasing them, community asset transfer or looking at opportunities with community planning partners and others.2 Among the buildings being discussed in the survey is The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh, which is closed and expected to be demolished after the discovery of crumbling concrete known as RAAC in its ceiling. People are asked whether they used the theatre before it shut its doors, what they believe it brings to the community and if the council "need to replace the Brunton Hall & Theatre". Also in the survey are the council's Haddington headquarters John Muir House alongside the attached former courthouse, which is owned by the local authority. People are asked about the head office "are there any ways of making savings or increasing / generating income at this building that could be explored?" Participants in the survey are told the could has approved savings including £3.6m from reducing current operational property running costs, alongside £23.4m capital receipts from land and property sales. The council said: "In order to support these challenges, it is hoped this placed based asset review will ensure the council operates good quality and well utilised buildings with modern facilities in a sustainable and efficient way." Drop in sessions are being held next month at various sites. Details of all the buildings included in the survey and public sessions can be found here
Edinburgh Reporter
28-05-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
Dunbar flat owner loses bid to carry on letting
A Dunbar flat owner who claimed the majority of her guests were 'professional' and letting her property was good for the local economy has lost her appeal to carry on renting. Leanne Montgomery appealed to Scottish Ministers after East Lothian Council refused to grant a change of use for her second floor flat on the High Street to a short term let. She told them use of the holiday flat 'helped the economy', however the Scottish Government Reporter ruled its local impact was irrelevant. And they said the flat owner had provided no evidence that it was mainly used by professionals, as had been claimed. Dismissing the appeal, they said: ' In assessing the appeal I am only able to consider whether or not the use as a short term holiday let represents a material change from the legitimate established use of the property as a flat. 'Any assessment which considers the merits of the use would need to take place through an application for planning permission.' East Lothian Council refused the application for a certificate of lawfulness, which would mean planning permission was not needed, to operate the holiday flat, because they said a shared stairwell with other residents in the block meant it was a material change of use. And the Reporter agreed with their position saying the frequent arrival and departure of guests in the flat would impact on residents who used the same hallway. They also dismissed claims that the majority of guests at the flat were 'professionals' who were there to work in the town. They said: 'The appellant contends that most visitors are professionals who visit the area to work a nine to five job for a the very short period of time they are in the area. 'I have been provided with no specific reasoning as to why the property would appeal to professionals in particular and I have been provided with no evidence to substantiate this claim..' The Reporter ruled the impact of guests at the short term let was a material change of use and the council had been correct to reject the application for the certificate. By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter Like this: Like Related
Edinburgh Live
28-05-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Live
East Lothian flat owner loses appeal over 'professional' holiday lets
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A Dunbar flat owner who claimed the majority of her guests were 'professional' and letting her property was good for the local economy has lost her appeal to carry on renting. Leanne Montgomery appealed to Scottish Ministers after East Lothian Council refused to grant a change of use for her second floor flat on the High Street to a short term let. She told them use of the holiday flat 'helped the economy', however the Scottish Government Reporter ruled its local impact was irrelevant. And they said the flat owner had provided no evidence that it was mainly used by professionals, as had been claimed. Dismissing the appeal, they said: " In assessing the appeal I am only able to consider whether or not the use as a short term holiday let represents a material change from the legitimate established use of the property as a flat. "Any assessment which considers the merits of the use would need to take place through an application for planning permission." East Lothian Council refused the application for a certificate of lawfulness, which would mean planning permission was not needed, to operate the holiday flat, because they said a shared stairwell with other residents in the block meant it was a material change of use. And the Reporter agreed with their position saying the frequent arrival and departure of guests in the flat would impact on residents who used the same hallway. They also dismissed claims that the majority of guests at the flat were 'professionals' who were there to work in the town. They said: "The appellant contends that most visitors are professionals who visit the area to work a nine to five job for a the very short period of time they are in the area. "I have been provided with no specific reasoning as to why the property would appeal to professionals in particular and I have been provided with no evidence to substantiate this claim.." The Reporter ruled the impact of guests at the short term let was a material change of use and the council had been correct to reject the application for the certificate.
STV News
19-05-2025
- General
- STV News
Century-old boarding school plans to enclose outdoor swimming pool
A century-old East Lothian boarding school has lodged plans to enclose its outdoor swimming pool to provide year round access for its pupils. Belhaven Hill School in Dunbar says its heated outdoor pool is a popular part of its outdoor education but only used during summer terms and part of autumn with youngsters travelling to local pools the rest of the year. Now it hopes to create a new cover which will allow it to be used all year round alongside changing facilities for its students. Plans for the changes to the swimming pool have been lodged with East Lothian Council's planners. The school says the proposals involve the refurbishment of the existing pool along with a covered enclosure to provide year round opportunities for swimming. It says: 'his enclosure will be built against a new single-storey building housing changing facilities and a plant room.' Belhaven Hill School is a private preparatory school with boarding and day pupils ranging from P1 to S1 ages. It celebrated its 100th anniversary in the town two years ago and boasts one of the biggest prep music departments in the UK. However it says its outdoor pool is a highlight for pupils. The school says the pool is in constant use during summer and the first half of autumn terms as part of its Physical Education curriculum. It adds: 'The school takes part in a number of competitive swimming galas over the course of the year but a highlight of the swimming year at Belhaven Hill is the internal Belhaven Hill Swimming Gala and Diving Cup. 'Every pupil in the school has the opportunity to take part in time trials and diving heats with the whole school providing an audience for the finals.' The plans have been lodged with planners and are available to view on the council's online planning portal. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
