TWENTY-TWO flats and four houses could be built beside Prestonpans Railway Station.

LAR Housing Trust is aiming to create the new properties, which could be in place by spring next year, in a similar style to their recently-completed development in nearby Cockenzie.

The development, which is being considered by East Lothian Council, would be created on the site of the former Lothian Coated Fabrics building and next to the eastbound platform at the neighbouring railway station.

LAR Housing Trust, which is an affordable housing provider, plans to create affordable housing on the site, which it will operate as 100 per cent affordable mid-market rent.

Plans with the local authority’s planning department note that the scheme would be “similar” to the 26 flats at the Boatyard, Cockenzie Harbour.

Dunfermline-based LAR Housing Trust said that the existing development had “proven to be successful and well received by East Lothian Council, the local community and new residents”.

The design and access statement, which makes up part of the new planning application for the Prestonpans proposal, reads: “The Cockenzie Harbour site required high-quality design with traditional features and local character, linking into the surrounding area and conservation area.

“These details fit equally well at this site in Prestonpans, bringing character in keeping with the traditional features of the railway station and adjacent housing.”

Nineteen of the flats, which would be based on the eastern side of the site, would have two bedrooms, with the remaining three as single-bedroom properties.

Each of the four houses, which would be on the western side of the site, would have three bedrooms.

Brian Weddell, chairman of Prestonpans Community Council, was aware of the proposals, which had yet to be discussed by the group.

He said some concerns had already been raised regarding the size of the plot and the number of properties being proposed.

However, he stressed that there was “a crying need” for affordable and social housing in the area, with the community council to discuss the proposals at a future meeting.

Buildings on the site were demolished in 2016, with the northern section transformed into a Co-op Foodstore and other units, including Links Veterinary Group.