The developments by Lar Housing Trust, which has an extensive waiting list in the area, are at Northfields and Jim Bush Drive and will bring the total number of developments that the charity has in East Lothian to eight.

Local MSP, Paul McLennan welcomed Lar’s commitment to the area at a sod-cutting ceremony to mark the start of the work.

He said: “I’ve been incredibly impressed by the quality of the developments Lar Housing Trust has delivered already in East Lothian.  I’m delighted to be able to support their newest development in the county and look forward to seeing this important development opportunity increasing the range of affordable homes in Prestonpans at a time when East Lothian continues to grow. 

“Having a warm, well designed and affordable home in the heart of your community is a critical pillar to achieving wellbeing. Lar Housing Trust’s model of delivery has huge potential to reach many more across the country.”

Lar provides good quality mid-market rental homes across Scotland targeting those who can neither afford private rents nor qualify for social housing.

Ann Leslie, chief executive, said: “I am really delighted to be starting work on these developments, which are an important and much needed addition to our portfolio. Although Lar is only six years old, we already have six fully occupied developments in East Lothian and a waiting list which could re-fill those homes thrice over. The new developments will also include three commercial units at Jim Bush Drive where we are hoping to open a Lar office there, so that we can bring more employment opportunities to the area and help to serve the local community better.

“There is a huge demand for our homes and we are always on the look out for more sites so that we can help to address the growing need for more good quality mid-market homes in East Lothian.”

Cruden Building (Scotland) has been appointed to deliver both developments having previously worked with Lar at both Cockenzie and in Glasgow. The 26-home site at Northfields consists of three one-bed flats, 19 two-bed flats and four three bed houses. As well as the commercial units, Jim Bush Drive will deliver 16 two-bed flats including two accessible ground floor properties.

Allan Callaghan, managing director of Cruden Building (Scotland), commented: “We are delighted to carry on the strong working relationship previously forged between The Cruden Group and Lar as we begin work on these exciting new developments in Prestonpans to deliver 42 high-quality homes with retail units.”

Both developments should be ready to welcome tenants by spring 2023.