Marketing has commenced of Plot 11, which extends to around 1.8 hectares and is positioned within the north western corner of the former Blindwells opencast site.

With the capacity to accommodate around 70 residential units, site owner Hargreaves Land believes the plot will appeal to housebuilders looking for an opportunity to get involved in their flagship project at a time when the housing market continues to thrive.

Property consultancy JLL, which is appointed as sole agent for Hargreaves Land, will be seeking offers in late April.

In February, Bellway commenced groundworks on its forthcoming 144-unit Prince’s Gate development at Blindwells. Providing a mix of three, four and five-bedroom, terrace, semi and detached properties, the first properties at Prince’s Gate will be available to reserve in the spring when Bellway is expected to release prices. 

In recent weeks, Hargreaves Land has also exchanged a conditional sale contract with Persimmon for a 12.9-acre plot, where there is capacity for a further 196 homes including 30 designated as affordable.

Iain Slater, development and estates director at Hargreaves Land, said: “Despite the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions, 2021 has started on a very positive note for Blindwells. We are making excellent progress thanks to our investment in remediation and infrastructure works, but also as a result of the strong underlying demand for good quality new homes in popular locations.

“Blindwells provides unrivalled access to the outstanding East Lothian coastline, many fantastic golf courses and the convenience of being located within 10 miles of Edinburgh.”

In 2017, Hargreaves Land secured planning consent for more than 1,600 new homes at Blindwells. Proposals for the scheme include social housing, education facilities, a healthcare hub and a new town centre with local retail outlets.

Jason Hogg, director at JLL, said: “This release of new development land at Blindwells couldn’t be timed any better.  Following the significant investment by Hargreaves Land to facilitate the development of Blindwells, and the confirmation of Bellway and Persimmon Homes coming on board, we are excited by the opportunity to bring the next development plot onto the market.

“House prices sales and demand in East Lothian have surged in the last 12 months as home buyers seek accommodation that embraces additional space, technology and a high amenity environment – Blindwells can capitalise on this trend and we look forward to discussing the opportunity with the wider market.”

Hargreaves Land is the property and land division of Hargreaves Services plc, which employs more than 2,000 people and delivers key projects and services in the property and industrial sectors, with a growing focus on optimising the development value of its 12,000-acre land portfolio.