Plans submitted for East Lothian village expansion

Located around Longniddry Farm, to the south of the existing village, the planning application for Planning Permission in Principle (PPiP) has been lodged by developer Socially Conscious Capital.

Should this be granted, detailed planning applications will come forward for various elements of the proposed development, the vision for which includes high quality and distinctive new housing, integrated with the existing settlement.

The indicative masterplan for the development, included in the planning application, highlights a residential development, of around 450 homes, with associated greenspace, access, engineering works and mixed use development, including the conversion of existing buildings at Longniddry Farm. This can provide space for commercial uses, such as cafe, nursery and offices.

The site is allocated in East Lothian Council’s Draft Proposed Local Development Plan for “around 450 homes plus associated employment development, community facilities and infrastructure”. East Lothian is required to deliver 10,050 new homes by 2024.

The site, owned by the Wemyss and March Estate, is highly deliverable, being under one ownership and with no abnormal ground conditions. East Lothian Council has also indicated that the education impacts of around 450 homes at this location could be managed within the current school estate.

One of the improvements delivered by the proposed development will be an expanded car park at the nearby railway station. Proposals to further aid integration include the upgrading of existing connections under the railway to allow for pedestrian and cycle movement, as well as appropriate upgrades to the road junction of the A198 and B6363.

Rock Feilding from Socially Conscious Capital said: “In addition to the much-needed new housing, we wanted to make sure that there will also be tangible benefits for the existing residents of Longniddry, such as employment opportunities and community facilities, and that these are fully integrated with the existing village.

“With its close proximity to the railway station, this makes our development one of the most sustainable in East Lothian, and was one of the key reasons the site has been included in the council’s Draft Proposed Local Development Plan.

“We have undertaken extensive community consultation on our proposals and would like to thank those who submitted their views, which we have done our best to try and incorporate into the final proposals.”