Ryden submitted the planning application on behalf of developer Socially Conscious Capital and landowner Wemyss & March Estate.

The site, known as Longniddry South, is located at Longniddry Farm to the south of the existing village and occupies some 31 hectares of greenfield land. Wider plans will see the associated redundant farm steading converted to provide a new community amenity and focal point for Longniddry, as well as space for commercial uses such as a nursery, café and office accommodation.

The vision for Longniddry South is of an exemplary village expansion, including “high quality and beautiful new housing” integrated with the existing settlement.

The site is already allocated in East Lothian Council’s Proposed Local Development Plan for “around 450 homes plus associated employment development, community facilities and infrastructure”.

The development of these homes will now help East Lothian to meet its requirement to deliver a total of 10,050 new homes by 2024.

Ryden’s planning team acted for the applicant, preparing and managing the planning application.

Planning partner Marc Giles said: “The successful outcome is a result of the dedication of all involved in the application. It is also great news for East Lothian as it will deliver much-needed new housing for the area.

“We worked closely with the council through the planning process to deliver what is an essential part of their spatial strategy for the region, and our client has brought forward a development that respects its setting and promotes high quality housing, including circa 112 affordable homes. The proposals also provide significant benefits to the community by way of developer contributions, notably for the expansion and upgrading of the local school estate and improved rail services.”

London-based Socially Conscious Capital is owned by Rock Feilding-Mellen, who was deputy leader of Kensington & Chelsea Borough Council and the councillor in charge of housing until resigning his cabinet post after the Grenfell Tower fire in June.

He is the 38-year-old stepson of the Earl of Wemyss & March, who owns the land being developed.

Dominic Lawson from Socially Conscious Capital added: “We are clearly delighted to have received consent for our planning application. We would like to thank the hundreds of Longniddry residents who have taken part in the many consultation events since 2013 and who have provided valuable input to help shape these development proposals. We will continue to keep local residents informed and involved as the development is now built out.”