WORK on 79 new homes on the outskirts of Haddington could start within a matter of months.

Planning permission in principle has already been granted for the homes at Gateside East.

And detailed planning permission is currently being considered by East Lothian Council.

Last week, a sign was put up on the site, next to Gateside Road, advertising the possibility of houses being built there.

Jim Kirkpatrick, managing director at Persimmon Homes East Scotland, confirmed: “We currently have planning permission in principle to build 79 much -eeded new two, three, four and five-bedroom family homes at the Gateside East site.

“Our investment of over £14 million will provide new job opportunities and much-needed new homes for families.

“Once detailed planning permission is secured, work is expected to start on the site, named Saxon Fields, in April 2015, with the first completions due in October 2015. “We expect interest to be high on this site and urge anyone interested in buying a new home to register their interest at our website www.persimm onhomes.com to be kept informed and reserve plots as soon as they are released.” If the development gets the go-ahead, it would be one of many that is pencilled in to take place in the west of the town.

Already, planning permission is in place for a Sainsbury’s store at the junction of the A199 and B6471.

Between the supermarket site and the Persimmon site is another plot, which will be home to 112 houses, a pub/restaurant and commercial accommodation.

And, nearby, there are plans for 810 homes and a primary school at Letham Mains.