East Lothian Council's Planning Committee met on Wednesday 24 June to consider two applications: a drive-thru fast-food restaurant at Macmerry and detailed proposals for a substation and cabling on land between Skateraw and Branxton.

After debate, members voted 8–3 to approve a McDonald's drive-thru at the Macmerry service station, off the A1 Gladsmuir junction. Planning permission for the wider site was granted in January 2019 for a petrol service station, coffee shop and two drive-thru restaurants, with the petrol station and a drive-thru coffee shop now operational.

Although prior consent already covered two restaurants, the applicant sought fresh permission to reflect differences in design and layout. Planning officers had recommended approval.

The scheme comprises the restaurant, a drive-thru lane and parking, including two accessible bays, electric vehicle chargers for four cars and a cycle stand. A litter management plan with on-site bins was submitted and, at the committee’s request, will be strengthened to provide at least three litter picks per day.

-- Advertisement --

Eleven objections were received, citing concerns about unhealthy eating habits and potential increases in litter. Macmerry and Gladsmuir Community Council also objected, primarily due to fears over litter.

The case was removed from the Scheme of Delegation and brought before the committee by Councillors Menzies and McIntosh in response to the community council and local concerns, including those relating to litter.

Approval was granted with an amended condition requiring the applicant to have an updated litter management plan agreed by the local authority before development begins.

The second application, submitted by SSE, related to onshore electricity transmission infrastructure linked to the Berwick Bank offshore wind farm, which was consented by Scottish Ministers in July 2025. In December 2023, planning permission in principle was granted for onshore works including a substation, underground cables and a landfall at Skateraw.

Officers recommended approval of the detailed proposals, covering the layout, siting, design and external appearance of the substation, cabling and associated infrastructure. Two objections were lodged, mainly about potential noise and construction traffic. Following discussion, councillors voted unanimously to approve.