A CAMPAIGN group has been set up in a bid to fight plans for more than 300 houses – spread over three sites – being built in Gullane.

A public meeting was held in the village hall last Wednesday evening where Gullane Opposes Over Development (GOOD) was formed.

Three potential developments are at various stages with East Lothian Council, with the largest site to the south of the village, at Saltcoats Field. The area of land, accessed off the road to West Fenton, could see “about 130” houses built.

A second site, at the nearby Fenton Gait East, could see 50 homes built, with the former Scottish Fire and Rescue Service training school, off the village’s Main Street, earmarked for up to 125 homes.

More than 120 residents attended the meeting, where it was overwhelmingly decided to oppose the overdevelopment of the village.

After the meeting, a spokesman for GOOD told the Courier: “During the meeting, representatives of the Parent Carer Council of the primary school and Gullane Medical Practice gave forthright speeches on the detrimental impact that the building of up to 300 houses would have on the village community and the local infrastructure.

“To that end, an action group has been formed by the local residents to spearhead this campaign called GOOD.

“This is supported by the Gullane Area Community Council, the Parent Carer Council of the primary school, as well as many local residents who have registered their support and willingness to help in the campaign.

“The aims of GOOD are: to defend the community of Gullane against excessive housing development; to make the community’s voice heard in a planning process which, at a local and county level, is trampling over residents' rights to have any say in the future of the village; to ensure that new house building is appropriate for the infrastructure and service of the local area.”

The Scottish Government has tasked East Lothian Council with building more than 10,000 new homes between now and 2024.

The spokesman stressed that they recognised Gullane would take “its fair share” of the homes but believed the development of the former Scottish Fire and Rescue Service training school, which closed its doors last year, was “sufficient for a village the size of Gullane”.

He added: “Even this site will put an unacceptable strain on village infrastructure as it currently exists.”

Now, GOOD is encouraging all residents of Gullane and nearby West Fenton to get in touch in a bid to create the strongest voice possible in opposition to the scheme.

To find out more, contact gullane.ood@gmail.com