Green light for major expansion of East Lothian village

Bellway Homes Ltd and Buccleuch Property Development lodged plans to build 339 houses, 24 flats, two commercial units and a play area on land south of Whitecraig, next to the primary school.

The application includes a mix of two, three, four and five-bedroom houses and one and two-bedroom flats. Twelve semi-detached houses, 53 terraced houses, two bungalows and 24 flats will be affordable housing. The remaining 272 houses will be for private sale.

Two objections had been received and one comment. Objections included concerns about flooding and increased traffic.

Following a debate, councillors voted unanimously to approve the application, with additional conditions proposed by Councillor Hampshire that a timescale for construction of a bus turning circle be agreed in advance, as well as a delivery plan for the two retail units to be agreed by the planning authority prior to development starting.

Other conditions included developer’s financial contributions for extra accommodation at Whitecraig Primary and Rosehill High School, sports and changing provision in Whitecraig, and road network improvements.