AS MANY as 250 new homes could be built on a field on the eastern edge of Dunbar.

Plans for the site, between Bowmont Terrace and the East Coast Mainline, were viewed by members of the public for the first time last Wednesday afternoon.

The proposals – by Robertson Homes, QSH and Hallhill Development – could be determined before the end of the year, with preparatory works taking place next spring and the first homes built by autumn 2016, if the plans are approved.

Stephen Bunyan, chairman of the town’s community council, was among those at the presentation in the Dunmuir Hotel.

He said: “I suppose it is a fairly sensible extension of Dunbar and does not have the problem that there is with the other side of the railway and putting very heavy pressure on traffic.” There had been concerns about extra pressure being placed on nearby Queens Road, but Mr Bunyan felt that this was preferable to further stress on Spott Road, which passes under the busy railway line.

Speaking about the site, he added: “I was acquiescent rather than enthusiastic but I did not feel strongly opposed.” The community council chairman stressed that the details on offer were purely at the outline stage, with further information to be submitted at a later point.

Robin Holder, of Holder Planning, which is involved with the plans, told the Courier that more than 20 people had visited the exhibition by its halfway point.

He said: “Most of the questions are about schools and traffic, which is much to be expected.

“We have got questionnaires and a lot of people are taking them away with them.

“We are just going on the verbal comments but we have got to have the questionnaires within two weeks of today.” Mr Holder said the quick timescales being outlined, which could see a planning application submitted by July, were a positive sign.

He added: “I think it is fair to say because of the improvement in the economy, people are feeling more confident to buy a new house. That is really what has given housebuilders a kickstart and they are responding to the demand.

“There was a stage during the recession when people were naturally cautious but coming out of the recession has encouraged everybody – both to buy and build houses.” One of the displays stated the site would consist of a mix of house styles with four and five bedroom detached homes.

However, the developers also stressed there would be affordable housing within the site, which was identified as a “preferred” location for development in East Lothian Council’s Main Issues Report (MIR).

Mr Holder was confident that the housing would prove popular and added: “Dunbar has been a very popular area to move to because it is such a wonderful environment.” Speaking after the meeting, John Murphy, managing director at Robertson Homes, said: “We welcome the response to this initial public consultation and, in due course, look forward to the submission of a planning application.

“Dunbar is a fantastic location for homeowners who are looking for luxurious living by the coast and has easy commuting distance to Edinburgh or, indeed, London by train.

“This residential development is proposed for land that has been identified as a preferred site for housing and is at a very early stage of the planning process.

“We have held initial discussions with East Lothian Council and feedback from the recent public information day will also help shape our plans.” AS MANY as 250 new homes could be built on a field on the eastern edge of Dunbar.

Plans for the site, between Bowmont Terrace and the East Coast Mainline, were viewed by members of the public for the first time last Wednesday afternoon.

The proposals – by Robertson Homes, QSH and Hallhill Development – could be determined before the end of the year, with preparatory works taking place next spring and the first homes built by autumn 2016, if the plans are approved.

Stephen Bunyan, chairman of the town’s community council, was among those at the presentation in the Dunmuir Hotel.

He said: “I suppose it is a fairly sensible extension of Dunbar and does not have the problem that there is with the other side of the railway and putting very heavy pressure on traffic.” There had been concerns about extra pressure being placed on nearby Queens Road, but Mr Bunyan felt that this was preferable to further stress on Spott Road, which passes under the busy railway line.

Speaking about the site, he added: “I was acquiescent rather than enthusiastic but I did not feel strongly opposed.” The community council chairman stressed that the details on offer were purely at the outline stage, with further information to be submitted at a later point.

Robin Holder, of Holder Planning, which is involved with the plans, told the Courier that more than 20 people had visited the exhibition by its halfway point.

He said: “Most of the questions are about schools and traffic, which is much to be expected.

“We have got questionnaires and a lot of people are taking them away with them.

“We are just going on the verbal comments but we have got to have the questionnaires within two weeks of today.” Mr Holder said the quick timescales being outlined, which could see a planning application submitted by July, were a positive sign.

He added: “I think it is fair to say because of the improvement in the economy, people are feeling more confident to buy a new house. That is really what has given housebuilders a kickstart and they are responding to the demand.

“There was a stage during the recession when people were naturally cautious but coming out of the recession has encouraged everybody – both to buy and build houses.” One of the displays stated the site would consist of a mix of house styles with four and five bedroom detached homes.

However, the developers also stressed there would be affordable housing within the site, which was identified as a “preferred” location for development in East Lothian Council’s Main Issues Report (MIR).

Mr Holder was confident that the housing would prove popular and added: “Dunbar has been a very popular area to move to because it is such a wonderful environment.” Speaking after the meeting, John Murphy, managing director at Robertson Homes, said: “We welcome the response to this initial public consultation and, in due course, look forward to the submission of a planning application.

“Dunbar is a fantastic location for homeowners who are looking for luxurious living by the coast and has easy commuting distance to Edinburgh or, indeed, London by train.

“This residential development is proposed for land that has been identified as a preferred site for housing and is at a very early stage of the planning process.

“We have held initial discussions with East Lothian Council and feedback from the recent public information day will also help shape our plans.”