THE developers behind a controversial housing site will attend a community council meeting this month in a bid to answer concerns.

Ninety homes were given the final go-ahead at Beveridge Row, on land between Belhaven and West Barns, earlier this year.

That came after a five-year battle, with many residents fearing the two distinct communities would merge and that the site was unsuitable for housing due to flood risks.

CALA Homes (East), which started work on the site earlier this year, will now attend Dunbar Community Council’s meeting this month.

Jacquie Bell, the group’s secretary, has regularly voiced her opposition to the scheme.

She said complaints had been made about a variety of issues, including noise, dust and vibrations, now that worked had started.

Mrs Bell added there were still concerns over flooding and also in relation to mounds of earth being piled near homeowners’ gardens.

The community council’s meeting, which is open to the public, is at Dunbar Town House on Monday, July 17.

A Scottish Government-appointed Reporter gave the green light to the idea of housing on the site in 2013.

Then, earlier this year, the council planning committee approved 90 houses.

Then ward councillor Michael Veitch was among those disappointed with the decision.

He said: “During my five years as a member of this council I can recall no planning application – indeed no issue of any sort – which has generated such widespread concern, indeed outrage in my community as the decision to allow development in principle on this site.

“The appeal against non-determination and the subsequent granting of permission to build on this site, in the face of widespread and fierce opposition from local residents, the local community councils and East Lothian Council itself, was a slap in the face for local democracy, and for the people of Belhaven and West Barns.”

The development – marketed as Castle Bay – will be made up of four and five-bedroom homes, with showhomes launched to the public later this year.

Houses are expected to be complete on the site by February next year.

Craig Lynes, land and planning director with CALA Homes (East), said: “Despite heavy rain over a short time period briefly delaying works, our development at Castle Bay remains close to our original schedule.

“Work is ongoing and we are taking precautions on-site to ensure no off-site flooding.

“Representatives from CALA will present to Dunbar Community Council on July 17 to discuss the nature of the work in more detail.”