MAJOR plans for new housing near Whitecraig have been lodged with East Lothian Council.

Wallace Land Management has submitted a Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) with East Lothian Council for a residential development with associated engineering and infrastructure on 14.5 hectares of land north east of Cowpits Road, Whitecraig.

A spokesman for the company declined to say how many houses were proposed.

Further information will be unveiled at a public exhibition in the Mercat Grill, Whitecraig, from 3pm to 7pm on April 7.

An East Lothian Council spokesman said: “A PAN is an indication of intention to develop so at this stage only an outline of the area to be developed is given. After consultation, the developer will then formulate their planning application which will include the size and number of properties considered.”

Whitecraig Community Council declined to comment until after the public consultation.

Clarendon Planning and Development has also submitted a planning permission in principle application on behalf of Stewart Milne Homes for 190 homes on the land south of Galt Terrace, Musselburgh.

The site is bounded by the East Coast Rail Line, The Loan with Wallyford park and ride car park, and field ridge with farmland.

A spokesman for Clarendon said: “Overall, the application site at Galt Terrace/The Loan is an effective housing site which can be delivered in early course to contribute to East Lothian’s substantial and immediate housing land requirements. Scottish Planning Policy now makes it clear that suitable sites must be brought forward where the Development Plan is outdated and a land supply shortfall exists.

“The proposal can be well integrated within the existing local environment, including retention of established trees and connection with green space networks.

“A range of housing, including on-site affordable provision, would be provided, with economic benefits also including local employment opportunities and increased local spend.”

Irene Tait, chairwoman of Musselburgh and Inveresk Community Council, said the group was opposed to any further housing development in this part of the town.

She highlighted major development of about 2,000 houses in the Wallyford/Dolphingstone area. She feared that, although Goshen Farm had been dropped as a preferred site for 1,000 new homes by East Lothian Council in its Main Issues Report, it could “rear its head again”. New housing was being built at Pinkie and a further 75 Cala homes could be sited on land at Levenhall.

“This will all add pressure on local resources, such as the roads and air pollution. All our green space is being built on," she said.

Local MSP Colin Beattie said: “In a general sense, there is no doubt that more housing is required all over Scotland, but I have strong concerns over the pressure this places on our infrastructure. While I cautiously welcome these announcements, I am keen to hear more details from the developers and the council to see what impact will be made on Musselburgh’s residents.”

The council, which has to find land for more than 10,000 houses and economic development in East Lothian, approved its Draft Local Development Plan last November.