COMMUNITY councillors have questioned how further housing will impact on Haddington after plans were revealed showing more than 750 houses assigned for the outskirts of the town.

East Lothian Council has been tasked with allocating land for more than 10,000 homes by 2024.

Many communities have already questioned if their towns and villages will be able to cope.

The latest to question whether the town’s infrastructure can handle additional housing is Haddington’s community council.

Last week, proposals highlighted a site to the south of Briery Bank could be home to more than 200 homes.

Now, another site, off Pencaitland Road and to the south of Letham House, has been suggested for more than 750 homes (see map below).

East Lothian Courier:

That is in addition to housing which already has the go-ahead at Dovecot, Letham Mains and Gateside, which totals more than 1,000.

Paul Darling, planning liaison officer with the town’s community council, was wary about the proposed expansion and the impact on the town’s infrastructure.

He questioned if there was joined up thinking in terms of how the new developments would impact upon Knox Academy, as well as doctors’ surgeries and the Aubigny Sports Centre.

He said: “It is going to creak when the houses are put in position.

“There are already 1,400 houses given permission for building – whether they are built or not does not matter.

“I don’t think there is the capacity, there are already people struggling to sell their houses in Haddington.”

He said faith in the planning system had already been “reduced” through the numerous planning applications getting the go-ahead.

Mr Darling was concerned that the increased expansion of the town to the west would soon see them meeting up with neighbouring settlements.

He added: “Haddington is going to meet up with Pencaitland.

“At this rate, it is going to join up.”

The latest proposals have been submitted by Clarendon Planning and Development and BS+S Group.

The Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) contains little detail but has been sent to community councillors and Haddington and Lammermuir’s three ward councillors: Ludovic Broun-Lindsay, John McMillan and Tom Trotter.

An exhibition offering more details is expected to be held in the New Year, with further, more detailed plans afterwards.