A NEW primary school serving a major housing development planned for the outskirts of Haddington will be considered by East Lothian Council.

More than 800 houses could be built at Letham Mains, Haddington, with a new primary school at the heart of the development.

The area to the westernmost edge of the site would be home to 385 houses and 48 flats, making a total of 433, while the eastern side would host 259 houses and 119 flats, making a total of 377.

The primary school would then serve youngsters from both the Mactaggart and Mickel Homes Ltd, and Taylor Wimpey East Scotland and Classhappy Ltd and Cala Management Ltd sites.

East Lothian Council is behind the primary school proposals, with a planning application currently being considered.

Ahead of the school being built, pupils could go to the former Haddington Infant School.

The new school would feature 14 classrooms and could be home to youngsters from 810 homes, although East Lothian Council could not give an exact number of children.

One of the main talking points could be the lack of a pupil drop-off area.

According to the planning application design statement, vehicular access would be restricted to “staff, service vehicles and disabled visitors”.

A total of 31 parking spaces will be included for staff and visitors, with the possibility of another five if required.

The document reads: “A barrier (hydraulic bollards) with card reader and intercom/remote release will be installed to prevent unauthorised vehicular access to the car park and school campus.

“There is no designated pupil drop off to the front of the school or within the school campus, to encourage pedestrian and cycle access via gates on the campus boundary, with easy approach from any direction within the proposed Letham Mains masterplan.” Outside the building, there would be fruit trees, themed gardens and areas for youngsters to grow flowers and vegetables.

There would be a seated area for “social interaction” and outdoor teaching spaces for environmental studies with areas for “informal play and exploration” with woodland, wildflower and habitat areas.

An all-weather external sports area has also been included on the site.

Currently, Knox Academy is home to 778 pupils, while the surrounding King’s Meadow and St Mary’s Primary Schools, plus Haddington Infant School host a total of 745 pupils.