MORE than 100 homes are to be built in Aberlady, despite concerns regarding the impact it will have on neighbouring roads in the village.

Work on 107 houses, made up of 87 houses and 20 flats, could get under way in September, with homes occupied by the end of next year.

Cruden Homes’ proposals, which will wrap around from the A198 to the west of The Pleasance to the southern corner of Kirk Road, on land owned by Wemyss and March Estates, were given the go-ahead after lengthy discussions last Wednesday morning at East Lothian Council’s planning committee meeting.

Three access points will be created, with two coming off Kirk Road and an extension to the access from The Pleasance, off the A198.

Ward councillor David Berry was among those raising concerns about whether further changes needed to be made to the layout of both Kirk Road and the A198 before any construction work got the go-ahead.

Among the planning conditions are three vehicle passing places to be introduced on to Kirk Road, on the stretch south of the village, and ‘raised tables’ at the junctions with the new development and Kirk Road.

Mr Berry asked if “a proper gateway” to the village from the west had been considered, with the possibility of a roundabout to slowdown traffic.

The councillor added: “On the other side of the development we have Kirk Road, which is effectively a single lane. I understand there is some proposal to have passing places on that section of road but that is probably not adequate.

“Have we considered a proper two-lane, going and coming carriageway between Tranter Road and Glenpeffer Avenue as part of this development?”

However, it was felt that was not necessary, with instead passing places to be created to deal with the increased traffic using the site.

The village’s community association and Gullane Area Community Council, which includes Aberlady, were consulted on the plans.

One member of the public raised concerns about the number of vehicles likely to be on the roads.

He suggested changes could be made to the A198 as it entered the village on the west, with the idea suggested of reducing the speed limit to 40mph before vehicles entered the 30mph zone in the village.

The county’s population is expected to increase by 35 per cent by 2036, with East Lothian Council tasked with giving the go-ahead to more than 10,000 homes by 2024.

As requested by the council, the development will provide a range and mix of house types, from two-bedroom flats to five-bedroom homes, with open space and linkages to the existing village and beyond, whilst delivering a new link through the site to connect Kirk Road with the A198.

Financial contributions will go towards extending the village’s primary school, as well as upgrading the current play park at The Pleasance and football pitch.

There will also be contributions to North Berwick High School.

Fraser Lynes, land and development director for Cruden Homes, said: “Cruden boasts a strong history in East Lothian and we are delighted to have received planning permission for this development, delivering much-needed new housing in Aberlady. Our proposals include the on-site delivery of affordable housing and we look forward to working with the community on delivering this development.”