Opponents dig in over mine project

Strong objection to plans for an opencast mine in Midlothian have again been made by East Lothian Council.

Despite new information from the developer, the council repeated its objection to the plans for an opencast mine near Cousland, close to East Lothian's western boundary.

The council was consulted by Midlothian Council on the Scottish Coal Company plan in 2009 and pressed for it to be rejected on the grounds that the mine would harm an area of great landscape value and would affect nearby settlements.

The council was also concerned that if the development went ahead, it would have little practical control over noise, vibration, dust and air quality affecting East Lothian.

Councillor Barry Turner said: "We do not believe that this development could be economically advantageous, or be prevented from impinging on East Lothian's environment."