The proposed development is to be delivered by Cruden Homes on land owned by Wemyss and March Estates.

The site to the west of Aberlady, off Kirk Road, is allocated in the Draft Proposed East Lothian Local Development Plan for “circa 100 new homes, access, infrastructure and open space”. This forms part of the wider housing contribution for East Lothian, which is required to deliver an additional 10,050 new homes by 2024. The population of the county is anticipated to grow by 35 per cent by 2036.

As requested by East Lothian Council, the development will provide a range and mix of house types, from two-bedroom flats to five –bedroom homes, with open space and linkages to the existing village and beyond whilst delivering a new link through the site to connect Kirk Road with the A198. This will use the existing priority junction at The Pleasance to avoid traffic having to pass Aberlady primary school when coming to or leaving from the new housing area.

This new junction will also minimise the disruption to protected trees located along the roadside boundary, which are an important part of the character of the coastal route and the western approach to Aberlady village.

Engagement was undertaken with the local community, councillors and Gullane Area Community Council and Aberlady Community Association in order to shape the proposals.

Financial contributions arising from the development will go towards extending the current primary school, to upgrading the current play park at The Pleasance and football pitch. There will also be contributions to North Berwick High School.

As a Group, Cruden is the second biggest private employer in East Lothian and through its activities contributes around £60 million into the East Lothian economy. It is also a major player in the council’s Construction Skills Academy, which aims to provide opportunities to local young people.

Cruden Homes also intends to ensure that local businesses are aware of all associated tendering opportunities in order to promote and encourage their sustainable growth and success.

Commenting on this, Fraser Lynes, land and development director for Cruden Homes, said: “Cruden boasts a strong history in East Lothian and we are delighted to have received planning permission for this development, delivering much needed new housing in Aberlady. Our proposals includes the on-site delivery of Affordable Housing and we look forward to working with the community on delivering this development.”