PLANS for 82 houses to be built on part of the Letham Mains housing estate were given approval after developers submitted a change to the layout proposed.

The Mactaggart and Mickel Homes development was put forward for approval by East Lothian Council’s planning committee with some alterations.

Officials said the changes involved positioning of new properties and parking but did not alter the number of homes planned for the land.

The latest development will be to the east of the site earmarked for a new primary school on the large development area on Haddington’s western edge which is expected to have more than 800 new homes once complete.

Provost John McMillan, ward councillor, raised concerns from local constituents about dust and road washing equipment used on the site over the summer.

Charles Church, from Mactaggart and Mickel Homes, told the committee concerns had been raised about issues with the building contractors used on the site and they were looking at possible penalties for any future breaches of the agreed construction management plan.

Mr McMillan asked if it would be possible for any financial penalties paid to be put towards local community groups or projects. Mr Church told him that was a consideration, adding that Mactaggart and Mickel Homes “already has a fund called building communities where we invest in local communities”.

The revised plans were approved unanimously.

Councillor Norman Hampshire, planning convenor, said: “It is good to see Letham Mains moving forward and the site coming together.”

Following the meeting, Craig Ormond, director of Mactaggart and Mickel Homes, said: “Lethington Gardens already features Design Collection properties, so we wanted to ensure that these neighbouring houses have a similar look and feel in design terms. We are delighted that the council have agreed with us.”

Lethington Gardens is part of a wider masterplan by a number of housing developers in the area.

The plans include a new primary school at the heart of the development – to be home to nearly 500 pupils – sport pitches and changing facilities, as well as a new park running east/west alongside the Letham Burn.