PLANS for 420 new homes on the outskirts of North Berwick have been given the green light.

Councillors approved Walker Group (Scotland) Ltd’s plans for the 38-hectare site at Mains Farm, to the south of the town.

The permission comes less than a year after proposals for 120 houses at nearby Gilsland and Newhouse Farm were also given the thumbs up by the local authority.

A further 140 homes at Ferrygate, at the town’s western edge, were refused but have been appealed to the Scottish Government, with a decision expected early next month.

Another planning application which could impact upon the town is at Fenton Barns, which could also contain more than 50 houses and looks set to be decided by full council on October 22.

North Berwick Community Council backed the Mains Farm proposal but felt the number of homes was on the high side.

Sheila Sinclair, the group’s chair, said: “Quite clearly, we are on record as enough is enough.” In a report to the local authority’s planning committee, council planners noted: “[The community council] advise that it seems well thought-out, with an emphasis on the creation of a community which they would hope will grow with time and become part of North Berwick.” Among the objections received were concerns over access arrangements, the impact on infrastructure, and construction traffic posing a risk to nearby school children.

While a petition with 431 signatures was submitted to the local authority against the scheme.

As well as houses, the site at Mains Farm would include community facilities, employment uses and open space and landscaping.

It would be accessed via Grange Road and opposite the existing junction of Grange Road and Green Apron Park, while a further access point from the realigned Haddington Road is also highlighted.

Ward councillor Tim Day (Con) agreed that there were concerns about the pressure being put on infrastructure by the developments, such as at the health centre.

“There is a risk of changing the character of what is a great place to live,” he said, but added: “I will support it and also welcome the much-needed affordable housing.” Councillor Stuart Currie, SNP Group leader, told the meeting that there would always be negatives and positives when it came to such a scheme. He backed Mr Day’s comments regarding affordable housing and said it would “make a difference”.

He added: “The big issue is the ability of people who have been schooled in North Berwick who simply cannot afford to live there, either through house prices or affordable housing for rent.

“I think it is a big win for the area.” Councillors unanimously approved the plans.

Graeme Patrick, the Walker Group’s strategic land director, said there were still details to be completed before work would start on the site, including the realignment of Haddington Road and the signing of legal documents.

But he was hopeful work would start on the site in the new year.

He said: “Clearly, we were pleased that the application in principle has got through.

“We have worked with the council officers over quite a long period, both pre-application and during the application, to get the scheme and the accompanying masterplan in a shape that was consistent with the local plan and development framework.”