BUILDING work on a major housing site on the outskirts of Haddington is about to start.

Preliminary work is being carried out at Letham Mains, to the west of the town, where more than 800 homes are to be built.

CALA Homes (East) was to build almost half of the housing on the site – alongside Mactaggart and Mickel, Taylor Wimpey and Classhappy Ltd, which are responsible for 385 homes and 48 flats – but will now be joined by Stewart Milne Homes.

The number of new houses will not change but, due to variations in home styles and small on-site design changes, Stewart Milne Homes is looking for fresh planning permission from East Lothian Council for 155 homes – made up of 112 houses and 43 flats.

CALA is on schedule to start work on the remaining share of 221 homes soon, with Stewart Milne Homes aiming to start work in the summer, subject to planning permission being given.

Derek Lawson, strategic land director with CALA Homes (East), said: “We’re pleased to be able to work with Stewart Milne Homes to enable them to take over half of our original site.

“This ensures our team can focus on delivering high-quality homes while facilitating the new purpose-built primary school.”

Progress has been made at the development following a major earthwork project to prepare the site.

Work includes spine road infrastructure, regrading of levels, delivery of services and will include off-site works on West Road.

Gerry More, managing director of Stewart Milne Homes Central, was looking forward to getting started.

He said: “We are seeing strong demand for quality family homes across central Scotland and by increasing the number of active developments through collaborative working with other homebuilders, we’re in a firm position to cater to this demand.

“Subject to planning approval, we are looking to create an attractive neighbourhood of 155 homes at Haddington.

“With attention to detail in both the craftsmanship of our homes and in the design of the settings, streets and green space, we will deliver a distinctive and desirable place to live which, with the plans for the new primary school, will be ideal for families.”

CALA is also aiming to deliver the serviced school site for early summer, when it will be handed over to East Lothian Council.

Mr Lawson added: “Letham Mains is a major project for us and a very important element of East Lothian Council’s release of housing across the region.”