A NEW development south of Royal Musselburgh Golf Course would include a brand new cemetery for Prestonpans, developers have revealed.

The details of a proposal to build on a 21-acre field beside Dolphingstone Farm were unveiled at a two-day public consultation in the town’s community centre this week.

And they revealed plans to set aside 1.4 hectares of the land for a cemetery.

Hallam Land Management Ltd has submitted a Proposal of Application Notice for the land, known locally as the Scarecrow Field, which lies directly across from the golf course driving range.

Rick Finc, of agents RFA Development Planning, said: “We only recently became aware of the community need for this facility, and the fact the land we are looking to develop had been identified as a first choice.

“Obviously it is of benefit to the whole community, and we are happy to include it.” Councillor Willie Innes, council leader and ward councillor, has been involved in discussions with landscape and countryside officials to identify land for a new graveyard.

Prestonpans Cemetery, which also covers Cockenzie and Port Seton, is expected to run out of space within two years, and there has been growing concern about where a new cemetery could be placed.

Community council chairman Jimmy Yule welcomed the move.

He said: “The community council and I are delighted.

“We are aware we are quickly running out of space and pleased that this will be included in the development if it gets the go-ahead.” The proposed development would include 150 new homes, as well as retail and business units, and communal park areas.