A BID to build council houses on a derelict site in a residential area of Haddington could leave nearby householders with major parking problems.

Plans for 14 new homes on the site of the former Haddington Nursery School Annexe were unveiled to the public last week.

A formal planning application for the Meadowpark scheme, which was met with a mixed reaction from the town’s community councillors earlier this month, could be lodged this summer. If approved, work could start in spring next year.

However, concerns were raised at the exhibition in Haddington Town House as to the impact on traffic on the narrow street, which is also home to Pear Tree Nursery and Meadowpark Knox Academy.

One of the displays highlighted how building traffic would use West Road before accessing Meadowpark. It was acknowledged at the exhibition that construction traffic would “impact upon residents of Meadowpark in particular”.

A display said: “We have also been advised that parking in Meadowpark would need to be suspended during the working day for the duration of the construction work to allow safe passage of construction traffic. It is proposed that an area of the playing field immediately to the south of the site will be set aside for a lorry turning circle, and a temporary parking area for residents. The playing field will be reinstated at the end of the building work.”

Haddington Nursery School Annexe opened in 1965 as an annexe to Haddington Infant School and closed in 2013 when pupils moved to a new joint campus with St Mary’s Primary School.

The new East Lothian Council homes would be split into three blocks, made up of one wheelchair accessible bungalow, five two-storey homes and eight cottage flats. A parking space for each property would be included, with access to an electric charging point.

It is hoped that work could be complete by spring 2021.

Ward councillor Craig Hoy was among those at the public exhibition. He said: “I welcome the council’s commitment to more affordable and council housing in Haddington.

“But with the specific parking and congestion issues affecting Meadowpark and the surrounding areas, I do share residents’ concerns about a development of this scale. It could have a negative impact for residents and children walking and cycling to school.

“I question whether this is the right level of development for the nursery annexe and hope to secure further reassurances.”

A council spokeswoman thanked those who attended the event.

She said: “We are currently reviewing all of the feedback that we received and will take on board the points raised with us as we continue to consider the potential for this site.”