The planning application follows Avant Homes’ agreement to acquire a 20-acre site at Blindwells from developer Hargreaves Land for an undisclosed sum. The site to be acquired occupies a prominent raised position within the Blindwells development with views over the Firth of Forth.

Hargreaves Land secured outline planning consent for 1,600 homes at Blindwells in 2017. The developer’s masterplan for the site also includes new education facilities, a healthcare hub, local retail outlets and a range of other services to help establish a thriving new community.

Avant Homes intends to deliver 240 private homes and 102 affordable homes ranging from two-, three-, four- and five-bedrooms. The housebuilder will showcase 16 of its new housetypes.

Subject to planning, Avant will start work on site in January next year with the first buyers expected to move in during that summer and the last legal completions scheduled for spring 2031.

Avant Homes Scotland managing director, Iain Innes, said: “Blindwells is an excellent example of placemaking so we are very pleased to submit our plans to contribute to what will be a remarkable new location for East Lothian.

“Our proposed development is an important part of Avant Homes’ ongoing strategic growth plan in Scotland which will provide much-needed new homes for people living in and around the area. We now look forward to East Lothian Council’s response to our submission.”

Bruce Lindsay, development director at Hargreaves Land, said: “We are delighted Avant have chosen to invest in Blindwells and their exciting proposals for new private and affordable homes will be a welcome addition to our development.

“Additionally, Hargreaves will soon be delivering two play parks within the development which are hugely important for wellbeing of all, helping people connect with nature and increase physical activity.”

This summer, Hargreaves Land will be seeking planning consent for the town centre element of the Blindwells development to include business space, new shops, care and wellbeing amenities, community facilities, restaurant and additional residential properties.