In a statement, Midlothian Council said the decision was due to factors beyond their control. It added that proposals for new schools at Roslin and Paradykes are also affected by the same issue, but stressed that discussions were ongoing to ensure the schemes remain on track.

Councillor Owen Thompson, Midlothian Council leader, said: “We know local people, from pupils to teachers, residents and other stakeholders, are just as keen as we are to get started.

“However, a European ruling on how some investment projects, including the Scottish Futures Trust (SFT) programmes – of which Newbattle is one – are classified will mean a delay.

“We know the SFT and the Scottish Government are working very hard to come up with a solution and we’re optimistic that this issue will be sorted out as soon as possible and our community facility will soon be underway again.”

Drawings, plans and elevations of the development by Cooper Cromar architects were published last November to give residents the chance to see what the finished building will look like.