A LEADING house developer has stressed there is a need for homes to be built in a popular village.

Plans are being considered for more than 300 homes, split over three sites, in Gullane.

However, Gullane Opposing Over-Development (GOOD) was formed in response to the proposals, with the aim of protecting the community from “inappropriate greenfield building projects”.

CALA Homes is looking at developing two sites to the south and the east of the village.

A public exhibition was held earlier this year, where the developer revealed proposals for “about 130” homes at Saltcoats Field, to the south of the village, and 50 homes at Fenton Gait East, to the east of the village.

A third site, at the former Scottish Fire and Rescue Service training school, has already received planning permission in principle for up to 125 homes.

GOOD believes that site, off Main Street, is “the only acceptable large-scale development site in Gullane” and raised concerns that the village’s primary school and infrastructure would struggle with more large-scale developments.

However, Derek Lawson, strategic land director, CALA Homes (East), stressed there was a recognition that East Lothian needed 10,000 new homes, with communities taking their share.

He said: “The stated policy of East Lothian Council is that every community should take its share.

“The greenfield sites in Gullane earmarked by the local authority as ideal for residential development would see the village increase in size by about 17 per cent. That is smaller growth than other communities in East Lothian will experience.

“The site at Fenton Gait has not been farmed for a number of years and is not part of viable agricultural operation.

“Saltcoats is part of a wider estate, the proceeds of which remain in East Lothian.

“As a responsible developer, we want to ensure any development we create is well served by local infrastructure, including access to well-planned roads, good schools and other facilities.

“As a result, we have a proud track record in dramatically enhancing and improving education and transport infrastructure in areas where we build and of working in varied other ways to support community groups and causes.

“We have a strong track record of developing in East Lothian over decades.

“In all cases, the majority of our purchasers come from the local area and within East Lothian.

“Young people who struggle to afford homes in Gullane have no choice because of a lack of supply.

“They tend to move out of the village to other locations.

“The new homes planned for Gullane will address that need over a long period of time, offering range and choice of homes.”

A spokesman for GOOD acknowledged CALA wanted to build houses but highlighted both East Lothian Council and the Scottish Government had a role to play in the development. He added: “It is the duty of East Lothian Council and the Scottish Government to protect the environment and to take responsibility for the economy in a wider sense.

“Scotland needs affordable housing in places accessible for work.

“It does not need hundreds of executive homes at the expense of scenic beaches, prime farmland and a beautiful village that is a magnet for tourists from all over the world.”