The planning application was from TheSpace Scotland Community Interest Company for a multi-use community, leisure and entertainment space on land West of Broxburn, Dunbar.

This is a triangular piece of agricultural land between the A1 and the East Coast mainline, known as Dunbear Point.

The plans proposed a single-storey multi-use building with external playgrounds and a car park. 

The project would be community-focused with several indoor and outdoor spaces.

The spaces include:

• Flexible performance auditorium for cinema, gigs, theatre and events
• Bouldering and roped climbing hall
• Clip and Climb arena
• Indoor wood skatepark with outdoor concrete extension
• café and bar with pool tables and shuffleboard tables and four 10-pin bowling lanes. 

Public consultation had gone ahead with two events having taken place at Hallhill. 

A total of 206 representations were received. Out of this, 204 supported the application, one objected, while one made a comment. 

Reasons for supporting the plans mainly stated the need in Dunbar for a facility of this type because of a current lack of youth facilities in the area. 

The objector mentioned difficulties with site accessibility and a possible traffic increase.

Refusal had been recommended by planners due to it not demonstrating that it is required to be built on this site; that it is not identified in the adopted local development plan; the loss of agricultural land; issues with drainage on the site and the possibility of a major rise in traffic.

Committee members ultimately voted unanimously to approve the proposals with additional conditions, including around transport planning, a walking and cycling route and drainage solutions.

These are to be agreed at the December Planning Committee.