PLANS to build as many as 160 houses in Elphinstone have been revealed, as developers warned people would have to accept the loss of greenfield sites in East Lothian.

The latest housing plan to come forward in the county will be formally revealed at a public exhibition next month.

But Highland Properties and developers EMA gave an early viewing of their proposals to Tranent and Elphinstone Community Council last week.

Their plans involve land on the opposite side of the B6414 from Elphinstone Primary School, next to the playing fields, which has been identified in East Lothian Council’s draft Local Development Plans as a “preferred” site.

However, while the plan allows for 80 houses, developers have said they foresee double the number being built on the land over the next 15 years.

Highland Properties wants to build 80 “family homes” on the site over five years, with proposals to build a further 80 in the following decade.

During a meeting at the community council, representatives from Elphinstone Community Association raised concerns about the development being built on greenbelt land, as well as highlighting safety fears about creating an access to the new housing on a section of the road already notorious for speeding.

And they said the scale of the development would come as a shock to villagers who were unaware of the plans.

James Fraser, from EMA, told the meeting that the scale of development required for East Lothian meant sooner or later greenfield sites would be used. He said: “To promote development you have to, over time, take greenfield sites.”

The developers stressed that the plans were at an early stage and confirmed they would need to address the issue of access from the B6414 with East Lothian Council’s transport and roads experts before a detailed planning application could go forward.

Fa’side ward councillor Donald Grant expressed regret that villages, in general, were being looked at for developments.

He said: “In the past we have not looked at the villages but we have had to turn to them this time because the big developments, such as Blindwells and Wallyford, have not come through. I am not against small developments which help to keep schools open – we have never closed a school in East Lothian – but we are seeing larger developments being put forward.”

A public exhibition of the proposals will be held in Elphinstone Community Centre on Tuesday, September 27, between 3pm and 7pm.

Mr Fraser reassured Stuart Mackenzie, Elphinstone Community Association chairman, that the event would be extended further into the evening if needed to allow working residents time to go along to see the proposals.