CALA submits housing plans for Gullane Fire College site

Fire College Aerial Artist Image resizedDetailed plans for a brownfield development of 125 homes at Gullane’s former Fire College have been submitted by CALA Management Ltd.

Central to the proposals is the sensitive renovation of the landmark Henderson House, as well as on-site provision of 31 high-quality affordable homes which will be delivered through a registered social landlord.

The plans have been lodged with East Lothian Council and are in line with the Planning Permission in Principle approved in April 2016 and the vision set out at the recent well-attended public exhibition.

The proposals will meet all parts of the local housing market, from studio, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, to 3, 4 & 5 bedroom homes.

Craig Lynes, land director at CALA Homes (East), said: “We received a great deal of interest in the development at the exhibition, with the majority of the feedback positively acknowledging the preservation of Henderson House.

“The plans represent a great opportunity to make the most of the striking and much-loved local building – while developing the rest of the site into a wide range of bespoke, high-quality housing.

“Having such a wide range of homes – including 25 per cent on-site affordable homes - also ensures opportunities for house-hunters throughout the market, including rare downsizing opportunities for those already living in Gullane.”

Henderson House
Henderson House

The site has been unused since operations were moved to Cambuslang in 2013. CALA Homes was confirmed as the preferred developer in November 2016 and is hoping to begin work on the 125 homes in early spring this year.

CALA is also set to make substantial monetary contributions, with East Lothian Council set to receive £1,843,000 to spend on the improvement of educational and other public facilities within the village.

Gullane Pre-School, Gullane Primary and North Berwick High School are all set to benefit from substantial monetary contributions.

Originally opened as The Marine Hotel, the Fire Service College was opened in 1954, providing recruit training for each of the eight preceding fire and rescue services in Scotland.

Architecture firm Barton Willmore secured planning permission in principle for up to 125 residential units on the site in June last year.

The site was sold on the open market by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) which now intends to reinvest the proceeds into capital projects to enhance and add to Fire & Rescue Service facilities across Scotland.

Share icon
Share this article: