Planning permission has been granted for a change of use of the Kingdom Hall in Tranent to allow it to be used to store and distribute household items for John Dunton.
The hall, formerly known as Henderson Hall, was given to the town by Reverend John Henderson who oversaw Tranent Old Church for the first half of the 19th century.
In its more recent past it was owned by The Jehovah’s Witnesses but has been vacant for a number of years.
Approving the application to change it to a storage depot, planning officers added conditions ensuring it is only used during normal working hours and no furniture was kept outside in the car park area.
Their report said: “The building is located within a predominantly residential area and its compatibility with the residential character of the area must be assessed.
“The proposed storage and distribution use would operate within standard working hours which would be compatible with the residential character of the area. However, it would be prudent to ensure the business does not operate
out with these core hours by attaching a condition on any grant of planning permission in order to protect the amenity of all neighbouring residential properties.
“Furthermore, given the nature and scale of the proposed business, it would not amount to a significant number of journeys to and from the building. The nearest residential properties are all separated from the building by a public road and the proposed change of use would not directly impact any of these neighbouring residential properties.”
Planning permission was granted with a condition all deliveries and removals are kept between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday and no outdoor storage kept in the car park.
By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter
