Planning Committee approves first phase of homes at Herdmanflat

East Lothian Planning Committee met on Tuesday 6 May and discussed three applications, including 51 homes – phase one of development at the former Herdmanflat Hospital site in Haddington.

Planning permission in principle had been granted in November last year for 145 units of affordable housing for older people on the site. The development includes the conversion of existing buildings and construction of new ones; an active travel link to the A199; new pedestrian access points and open spaces including woodland, pétanque pitches, community garden and orchard; a SUDS drainage system; tree removal and compensatory planting; biodiversity planting and woodland play locations.

This first phase, which was unanimously approved by committee, will be in the southern section of the site and will feature four three-storey buildings and one two-storey building, accommodating the 51 homes. The units are all designed for an aging population including dementia friendly design. There will be 31 one bedroom and 21 two-bedroom homes. Each of the four blocks will have access to a private courtyard garden space and clothes drying area as well as bin, cycle and mobility scooter facilities. No representations had been received in relation to this application.

Read the full report of planning committee's decisions.