Councils row over voice in mine project

A ROW has erupted over who should be allowed to have their say on an opencast mine project.

Residents want East Lothian Council to make the final decision on planning permission for the development at Airfield Farm.

But Midlothian Council, under whose jurisdiction the development falls, will have the final say when the application is submitted.

Scottish Coal wants to use the Cousland mine to supply two Scottish Power stations as part of a five-year contract with the firm.

Ormiston Community Council argues East Lothian residents will be more affected by noise, dust, vibration, and traffic movements.

Vice-chairman Scott Gillies said: "We are of the opinion that Midlothian Council would be incompetent to determine any application on such a proposal. Our reasoning for this is due to the location of the proposed site, the majority of environmental impacts caused by it would be in East Lothian."

A spokesman for Midlothian Council said that, if an application falling within Midlothian's boundaries was submitted, East Lothian Council would be formally consulted.