CONTROVERSIAL housing plans for the outskirts of Pencaitland have received a massive boost.

Planning permission in principle has now been given for Gladman Developments Limited site off Lempockwells Road.

East Lothian Council threw out the scheme, which could see up to 120 homes built, in December last year before an appeal was lodged with Scottish Ministers.

Now, more than a year after plans were first put on the table, it has been given the go ahead.

Detailed plans are yet to be put forward with the applicant declining to make a comment on the decision.

Residents of the village attended East Lothian Council's planning committee last year and outlined their opposition to the scheme, with Taryn Wallace describing Pencaitland as “a beautiful example of a small East Lothian village”.

She added: “We are concerned that adding this development will destroy that.”

In May, Scottish Government-appointed reporter Richard Hickman announced an intention to give the scheme the green light.

In his 13-page report, he agreed that a development of 120 houses would be a “relatively substantial addition to the settlement”.

However, concluding his report, Mr Hickman said development of the site would form “a satisfactory extension of the village”.

A total of 63 representations against the development were received with concerns ranging from the scale of the development in relation to the village and the pressure on local community services.

Ralph Averbuch, chairman of the village's community council, was “disappointed” the Scottish Government had overturned the decision despite objections from a number of residents.

However, he acknowledged the county had to reach a housing target and it was inevitable new houses would be built in East Lothian.

Mr Averbuch told the Courier: “I think people will be disappointed their concerns have been overturned but if it must go ahead we hope any plans do at least take into account the amenities that are going to be required to soak up an additional 800-1,000 people and cars.”

Councillor Shamin Akhtar, who lives in the village, was similarly concerned about the plans.

She said: “This is the latest in a series of local decisions made in East Lothian which have been overturned by Scottish Government Ministers.

“They are ignoring the views of local communities and making a mockery of the planning process.”