East Lothian Council's Planning Committee has approved a proposal to extend operations at Markle Quarry for a further 14 years.

The Committee heard that the site, between Haddington and East Linton, had been a quarry since 1979, first operated by Lothian Regional Council. Operations ceased in 1984 and were recommenced by Geddes in 1996. Current planning permission stated that the mining operations will cease in October 2028 and that site restoration shall be completed by October 2029.

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Committee members considered extending the life of the quarry for a further 14 years, up to October 2042. There will be no extension of the area or depth of the quarry and current conditions will remain in place.

After discussion, including that a request will be made to Geddes to carry out extra tree planting agreed in the current conditions as soon as possible and using wool tree protection guards instead of plastic, in line with the council's Climate Change Agenda, councillors unanimously agreed to approve the application.