CONSTRUCTION work on more than 100 houses on the outskirts of Haddington is expected to begin within weeks.

Planning permission for 112 new homes, a pub/restaurant and new business accommodation was granted last October for the former Gateside Commerce Park, on the western edge of the town.

Now, developer Manse LLP has confirmed Persimmon Homes Ltd will be tasked with building the houses, which range from two to five bedroom.

David Mitchell, from Manse LLP, was delighted to see progress being made.

He told the Courier: “This is a significant step forward for the delivery of much-needed housing in Haddington and we are continuing to work to ensure the delivery of the business and commercial element of the proposals.” It was also previously agreed that £30,000 would be handed over by the applicant to upgrade the access junction with West Road.

An education contribution of nearly £280,000 would also go towards Haddington Infant School and Knox Academy.

Originally, the site was home to a Mitsubishi maufacturing facility, which was built in the 1970s.

However, the land has lain largely vacant in recent years.

The sale of the site adds to the start of a significant period of growth on the western side of the town.

Only weeks ago, Persimmon confirmed work had started on a neighbouring site at Gateside, which is being marketed as Saxon Fields. That site will see homes ranging from two to five bedrooms for sale later this month.

Similarly, planning permission was given for 642 houses and 167 flats at Letham Mains, on the other side of the B6471, last month. CALA Management Ltd, Mactaggart and Mickel, Taylor Wimpey and Classhappy are behind the huge scheme at Letham Mains, which stretches as far south as Pencaitland Road. It will also be home to a primary school, provided by East Lothian Council.

Sainsbury’s also has planning permission for a 3,700 square metre superstore beside the Manse LLP site.

Jim Kirkpatrick, managing director of Persimmon, said: “Persimmon are pleased to be working on this project with Manse LLP and are now looking forward to beginning construction on site.

“Haddington has seen only limited house building in recent years so we expect to enjoy strong demand for our range of two-bedroomed terraces to four-bedroomed detached family homes.”