A community hub set up in a former auction mart expanded without planning permission as demand for space outstripped supply, planners were told.
East Linton Mart applied for planning permission for up to 12 units as well as planters, a toilet block and changes of use from East Lothian Council planners, admitting some was retrospective.
In a statement to planners the owners of The Mart said changes to the original approved layout and some additional buildings had been added.
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Agents for the owners said: "The site owners acknowledge that some work has proceeded without planning permission, as the demand for floorspace from local individuals and small businesses has outstripped supply.
"The current application is intended to retrospectively bring all approvals up to date, in conjunction with a current application for adjustments to works at the cafe and shop,"
Planners granted retrospective permission for the additional units despite receiving two objections which raised concerns about the actions of the site owners.
An officers report into the application said that one of the objections was from the Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland.
It said among the comments made were "yet another retrospective application for the site"; "planning should be in place before the plethora of jumbled containers and ramshackle shacks are on site" and "no more late night live music events at the Mart".
Concerns were also raised about the format of the application, making it hard for many elderly residents to make comments.
Planners said the format was 'sufficient' to enable a full and proper assessment of the application.
And they pointed out that adding buildings before planning permission was granted was done at the applicant's own risk.
The site is dominated by the Old Auction Mart building which was once a central part of the community. A rundown of units there listed 12 of 21 units on the site as being either new or not having planning approval.
As well as providing a farmers shop and artisan stalls at the Mart site, local businesses have units from catering firms to a guitar shop and yoga and therapy classes.
There is also a Wok N Go noodle bar which is based in a double decker bus on the site and has also applied for retrospective planning permission after the owner told the council he was unaware it required to be renewed every two years.
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