Blindwells town centre plans submitted for approval

Plans to develop a mixed-use centre at the heart of East Lothian’s new town, Blindwells – including more affordable homes – have been submitted for approval.The project proposals, led by Hargreaves Land, could see new shops, offices, restaurants, supermarket and business space all constructed on a five acre siteIncluded in the plans are 60 affordable apartments overlooking the newly-created Princes Loch, along with a new wellbeing centre, care home, gym and community space.Extra bus stops, active travel paths and electrical vehicle charge points are also proposed, supporting the principles of a 20-minute neighbourhood.Hargreaves Land is working with development consultants Turley and EMA architects to bring forward its plans. These include hundreds of jobs in the construction, supply chain and local services sectors, which could all follow if the latest phase of development gets the green light from East Lothian Council – which is anticipated early in the new year.Onsite construction work could start as early as mid-2024.Jonathan Graham, senior development surveyor at Hargreaves Land, said: “We are investing for the future, building a town centre that will create a new destination and an exciting sense of place for residents, adding to their overall wellbeing and living experience.“We’re also working with our partners to deliver much needed affordable homes, ensuring schemes like this one are a welcome addition to local communities and contribute towards providing high quality housing for people in places where they want to live.”Blindwells lies between Tranent, Cockenzie and Port Seton and has been earmarked for new housing for more than a decade as part of the regeneration of one of Scotland’s former coalfields.More than 150 new homes are already occupied, with house builders Persimmon, Bellway and Ogilvie all currently active in the new town, while Hadden Homes and Avant Homes are also proposing to commence onsite in the new year.Don’t miss the latest headlines with our twice-daily newsletter -sign up here for free.