PLANS for more than 100 new homes in Macmerry – which would increase the village’s population by about 25 per cent – have been lodged with East Lothian Council.

A detailed planning application for 105 homes on land to the west of Greendykes Road has been submitted by Taylor Wimpey East Scotland.

The 9.27-acre site is agricultural land but has been identified as suitable for housing in the draft Local Development Plan for East Lothian.

If approved, the scheme would be made up of two, three and four bedroom properties in a variety of styles and sizes.

The development could go before the council’s planning committee – which includes ward councillors Colin McGinn and Kenny McLeod – for determination.

About 26 affordable homes would be included as part of the project, which is to the north of St Germains Terrace and west of Chesterhall Avenue, as well as public open space, a play area and landscaping.

Maureen Cuthill, chairwoman of Macmerry and Gladsmuir Community Council, said: “It is good that they are getting affordable housing and it is good if they are targeting first-time buyers.”

However, there were concerns about a lack of facilities in the village, such as doctors or a wide array of shops.

Mrs Cuthill also noted there were worries regarding the volume of traffic coming from Greendykes Road onto the village’s Main Road, with suggestions of traffic lights or a roundabout being put in place.

Pauline Mills, land and planning director for Taylor Wimpey East Scotland, said: “We are delighted to confirm that we have made a detailed planning application for the development of land off Greendykes Road in Macmerry. 

“We’ve listened carefully to the feedback that we’ve received from the local community throughout our public engagement process and we feel that our proposal reflects a strong community focus for Macmerry and it will integrate with the established local community. 

“As well as an impressive range of new homes, our development would provide a range of economic benefits for the local Macmerry area which includes supporting over 160 jobs per year of construction, as well as the attraction of new customers to local businesses. 

“We believe this development would be a great addition to the local area. 

“It also complements our other developments across the region.”

A second site, at Adniston Farm to the west of the village, is also still being considered for development.

A Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) for that site was submitted to East Lothian Council in the summer of 2016.

A public exhibition was also held that August and a spokesman for the proposals, which were put forward by Balfour Beatty Homes Ltd, confirmed that more detailed plans would be coming forward “in the near future”.