Dunbar Council Approves Controversial Planning Application

Despite community objections regarding a bin store, shed, and planters, the planning committee granted approval for the Chamberlain Bell Developments application.

The stone facade of a Scottish town hall with an ornate balcony and iron railings, bathed in warm afternoon sunlight casting shadows on the sandstone walls, under a clear blue sky.
AI

The stone facade of a Scottish town hall with an ornate balcony and iron railings, bathed in warm afternoon sunlight casting shadows on the sandstone walls, under a clear blue sky.

The East Lothian Council planning committee has approved a controversial application for developments in Dunbar, following objections from the community council and residents.

An application for a bin store, a part-retrospective permission for an already under-construction shed, and retrospective permission for planters and alterations to walls and fencing, all submitted by Chamberlain Bell Developments, has been approved by Dunbar's planning committee. The application had been called in by Councillor Donna Collins.
Dunbar Community Council had raised objections, citing concerns about the modern design's appropriateness within the conservation area and the shed's proximity to a neighbouring residential property. A total of eight objections were received from residents, with specific worries about the shed's scale, its impact on daylight and access for a neighbouring property, and its perceived harm to the character of an adjacent listed building.
However, planning officers recommended approval, concluding that the developments would not be detrimental to the conservation area or the outlook of the neighbouring property. After deliberation, the committee voted nine to one in favour of granting the plans.
The full application details, reference 26/00528/P, are available online via the East Lothian Council planning portal.
Based on information from the official source: East Lothian Council (06/10/2026)