WORK on a “long-awaited” large housing development on the outskirts of Haddington could finally get under way in the new year.

More than 800 new homes – 642 houses and 167 flats – are expected to be built on farmland at Letham Mains by CALA, Mactaggart and Mickel, Taylor Wimpey and Classhappy Ltd.

A new primary school will also be built at the development, on the western edge of the town.

A spokesman for CALA told the Courier: “We anticipate commencing development in early 2017.”

The site, which is one of several housing developments planned for Haddington, is expected to take several years to complete.

Councillor Tom Trotter said: “It has been on the backburner for some time.

“Haddington has a responsibility to take more of the houses allocated for the county. This will be the start of that happening.”

His ward colleague Ludovic Broun-Lindsay added: “I am, of course, delighted that this long-awaited development is finally due to begin.

“It will hopefully reduce the pressure from opportunistic developers, and deliver on much-needed housing in all sectors. It may also be a sign that the economy is picking up a bit.”

While ward councillor John McMillan added: “I firmly believe Haddington has got so much to offer and so many good people and good things to join in with.

“It is why people want to build houses and people want to come and live and work and play here.”

Jan Wilson, chairwoman of the town’s community council, told the Courier that the town’s infrastructure had to respond accordingly.

She noted that the Aubigny Sports Centre was already under pressure and questioned if it could cope with housing at Letham Mains, Dovecot, Gateside and Haldane Avenue.

Similarly, she felt the introduction of the new primary school could split the town in two, with residents having one less reason to come into the town centre.

Mrs Wilson acknowledged there was a need for housing but would have preferred to have seen a greater number of council houses included.