Owned by Wemyss and March Estates, the proposed development site lies to the west of Aberlady, off Kirk Road. The application also includes associated infrastructure and open space.

The site is allocated in the Draft Proposed East Lothian Local Development Plan for “circa 100 new homes, access, infrastructure and open space.” and forms part of the wider housing contribution for East Lothian, which is required to deliver an additional 10,050 new homes by 2024. The population of the county is anticipated to grow by 35 per cent by 2036.

As requested by East Lothian Council, the planning application will provide a range and mix of house types, from two-bedroom flats to five –bedroom homes with open space and linkages to the existing village and beyond whilst delivering a new link through the site to connect Kirk Road with the A198. This will use the existing priority junction at The Pleasance to avoid traffic having to pass Aberlady primary school when coming to or leaving from the new housing area.

This new junction will also minimise the disruption to protected trees located along the roadside boundary, which are an important part of the character of the coastal route and the western approach to Aberlady village.

Extensive community engagement has been undertaken to shape the proposals, including with the local community, councillors and Gullane Area Community Council and Aberlady Community Association.

Should planning consent be given, Cruden Homes intends to engage in a range of community benefit initiatives across certain projects, supporting local people with on-site training placements and apprenticeships that can often result in longer term employment opportunities.

Cruden Homes also intends to ensure that local SMEs are aware of all associated tendering opportunities in order to promote and encourage their sustainable growth and success.

Fraser Lynes from Cruden Homes said: “Given our companies history in East Lothian we are delighted to be lodging proposals for much needed new housing in Aberlady, which include the on-site delivery of 25 per cent affordable housing.

“The site has been allocated for housing in the Draft Local Development Plan and we wanted to ensure, through our consultation process, that the views of the local community helped shape the proposals going forward. Whilst there were a number of themes mentioned by the local community, we hope our proposals provide a development that complements the outstanding village of Aberlady.

“As with our other developments in East Lothian, should we receive planning consent we look forward to working with the local community as we move forward with these proposals.”