A business retreat which could create up to 30 jobs in a rural location has been approved despite concerns it will ruin the 'tranquility of the area'.
The proposals for Papple Steading, near Whittingehame in East Lothian, will see holiday let accommodation, a conference centre, heritage centre/museum, shop and cafe all created on the site.
Applied for by George Mackintosh, the design statement for the new facility said: "The development will include spaces for communities such as a gift shop, cafe, function room for events and well-being activities.
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"Community groups can also make use of the larger auditorium (seating 150 people) for celebrations, musical and theatrical performance or for lectures.
"Papple Steading will also operate as a retreat for business groups with meeting facilities provided.
"The 13 units of holiday let accommodation, comprising of 24 bedrooms, will be used for groups using the business facilities are and are not for individual rent.
"The project will create 10 jobs by the end of 2024 and over 30 positions when in full time operation."
Planning officers said they received two objections with concerns about a one-way traffic system proposed for the site and anticipated traffic flow for the museum and business retreat.
They said one objector raised concerns the increased traffic would "result in the tranquility of the area being lost".
And they said it went against the council's own aspirations to create "Quiet Roads".
However Garvald and Morham Community Council said it supported the plans after meeting with the applicant saying "the proposals are very impressive".
Planning officers said using the existing steading buildings on the site was within their policy as well as supporting their use as a business retreat.
The plans were approved with a range of conditions.
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