NEARLY 50 homes designed specially for older people will be built close to Aubigny Sports Centre in Haddington.

McCarthy & Stone’s development on the town’s Mill Wynd will provide 49 homes for people over the age of 60.

Plans were submitted to East Lothian Council last year and were given the go-ahead earlier this month.

The Glasgow-based company, which specialises in retirement properties, was also behind Belle-View Court, Dunbar.

Steve Wiseman, managing director for McCarthy & Stone in Scotland, said: “We’re delighted that East Lothian Council has approved our application to build 49 new homes specially designed for people over 60 in Haddington.

“Our development will also enable current site occupier Thomas Sherriff & Co to relocate from the Mill Wynd site to new, purpose-built premises which offer the opportunity for future expansion.

“We look forward to receiving the final approvals so we can start to progress construction next year.” The new housing, made up of 43 flats and six houses, will be created once Thomas Sherriff & Co moves to its new site at Backburn, Letham Mains Road.

The company has had premises at Mill Wynd since 1976 but, following detailed site investigations, is looking to move to a new site to the west of the town.

The homes’ design and access statement explains why Mill Wynd is a good choice for housing for the elderly.

It reads: “The site is ideally located for a private retirement due to its close proximity to a wide range of facilities, essential to help maintain an older person’s independence and well-being.

“The nearby bus stops will provide residents access to both Haddington town centre and further afield.” Similarly, the report points out that residents moving in to the development would free up housing stock within the area.

It adds: “This can then be used by families, young couples and first-time buyers seeking to enter the housing market.

“This would effectively make better use of the existing housing stock.” The 43 flats – or apartments – will consist of a single two and three-storey building, while the houses would be two storeys, facing out on to Mill Wynd.

Meanwhile, the houses – or cottages – and flats would be separated by “attractive landscaped communal gardens”.

Councillor Tom Trotter described the plans as “win-win” in that it was housing that was needed and also freed up housing in the area.

He said: “There’s a shortage of houses in the area.

“I’m sure this will be a quality development and hopefully ease some of the strain on those looking for houses.”