The local authority discussed the use of the site this week and agreed to consider joint venture and public ownership, creating a specific project team to develop any proposals.

The announcement follows Scottish Power’s confirmation that they will not be pursuing plans to build a gas-fired power station at the site and Scottish Enterprise’s decision to no longer proceed with their proposal for an energy park on the land earlier this year.

A Community Forum has been formed in collaboration with local Community Councils and the Coastal Regeneration Alliance which will listen to, involve and take views from the community in respect of possible interventions that the council, and indeed the local community, may seek to initiate in the context of continued uncertainty surrounding ownership.

John McMillan, East Lothian Council spokesperson for economic development, said: “Although it is disappointing to hear confirmation that Scottish Power are no longer pursuing their plans for a gas-fired power station, which had the potential to bring many jobs into the county, it now clears the way to look at other proposals. We will now work with stakeholders to develop a masterplan for the site.

“We will continue to have dialogue with the owner of the site, Scottish Power, and will work with local community groups to ensure that this site can fulfil its potential and deliver sustainable economic growth and community benefit in line with the council’s ten year strategy for economic development. The site has the potential to attract inward investment in East Lothian and could help create good, sustainable jobs for local people.

“Any plans for the site coming into public ownership would first have to be scrutinised in order to assess their feasibility.”