PLANS for about 250 new homes on the outskirts of Dunbar will be unveiled next week.

Members of the public have the chance to view the proposals on Tuesday, with the developers hoping to submit a planning application with East Lothian Council in the spring.

The site, between the East Coast Mainline, Beveridge Row and the Lochend Campus of the town’s primary school, was earmarked for development in East Lothian Council’s Local Development Plan (LDP).

Currently, the plans are still at an early stage, with approximately 260 houses earmarked for the 11.7-hectare site.

The proposed development, known as Hallhill North, would also include an area designated for a recreation/sports pitch for community use in close proximity to the primary school.

Options for renewable energy provision are being considered for the site.

The LDP notes: “Any development here is subject to the mitigation of any development related impacts, including on a proportionate basis for any cumulative impacts with other proposals including on the transport network and on education and community facilities as appropriate.”

Ahead of a public exhibition, which will be held at the town’s Hallhill Sports Centre from 3pm to 7.30pm on Tuesday, Ken Ross, from Hallhill Developments Ltd, noted the impact the Hallhill development had made in the last 20 years.

Economist Tony Mackay produced an economic impact assessment in 2016 which concluded that existing and future Hallhill developments will contribute nearly £30 million annually to the East Lothian economy and will generate more than 700 jobs.

Mr Ross said: “Hallhill North will not only involve much-needed housing, including affordable housing, but will also include provision for a sports pitch for community use.”

Jacquie Bell, Dunbar Community Council secretary, said: “There is not much we can do about the go-ahead outline, I think what we can try to influence is the detail of what they put in.”

Mrs Bell was keen for social housing and bungalows to be included within the development.

She noted concerns had also been expressed about how the town’s infrastructure, such as medical centre and primary school, would cope with further expansion, as well as fears it would lead to wildlife, such as deer, being displaced and even killed on neighbouring roads.

More detailed plans for the site are expected to be revealed at the consultation event.

Ward councillor Norman Hampshire said “one or two issues” still needed to be dealt with, including the potential road layout, as well as financial contributions to schools.