PLANS to build up to 140 homes on the former Tesco supermarket site in Musselburgh could be lodged with East Lothian Council within a year.

Developers behind the proposal at Mall Avenue, which has been on hold for more than five years, say detailed plans for the new homes could be with the local authority in the coming months.

Speaking to a meeting of East Lothian Council’s planning committee, an agent from Dundas Estates & Development Co. Ltd said: “We do have expectations of submitting a detailed application for the development and hope to be coming forward with that next year.” The site of the former Tesco store, which also includes land at the old Brunton Wire Works and the adjoining bus depot, has had planning permission in principle for the homes – as well as a residential care home – since 2008.

The initial plans were part of an overall redevelopment of the area which included a new Tesco store on an nearby site and a primary care centre. These have both been built and are now operating, but the housing and care home facilities remain unbuilt.

At Tuesday’s planning committee meeting, the applicants asked for a further three-year extension on the initial approval to allow them to continue work producing detailed plans for the housing.

They said the credit crunch had sparked delays in building the residential properties but the market was picking up in Musselburgh and they believed now was the right time to start the work.

Ward councillor Stuart Currie said residents were keen to see the development get off the ground, describing the boarded-up land as a “blot on the landscape”.

He said: “I am as keen as everyone else, and people in my town just want to see the site built out. Hopefully within the next three years we will see details for the residential care home as it is badly needed in Musselburgh.” But councillor Donald Grant, administration spokesman for health and social care, suggested the emphasis may be more towards a day centre than residential care.

He told the committee: “It is a care home/day centre. I am certain Musselburgh needs a day centre more than residential care.” Councillors voted unanimously to allow the three-year extension.