WORK on a development of 140 flats on part of the site of the former Tesco store in Musselburgh is expected to start next spring.

Plans were approved by East Lothian Council’s planning committee nearly a year ago.

Permission in principle for a mixed-use development on part of the former Brunton Wire Works was granted in September 2008 and out of that development the new Tesco store has already been built, as well as Musselburgh Primary Care Facility on Inveresk Road.

Last September, permission was granted for detailed plans for 140 flats on the site of the former Tesco at Mall Avenue.

The development will include a mix of one, two and three-bedroomed flats, of which 129 will be for private sale and 11 are affordable housing.

A spokeswoman for the developer Dundas Estates & Development said the company was going through the consent process, such as obtaining building warrants for the new development.

The first flats could be occupied by Christmas next year, she added.