WORK on nine business units on the outskirts of Haddington could start within a matter of months.

East Lothian Council gave the green light to the industrial units, to the west of Arthurs Way, at the end of February.

The units, which are described as Class 4 – businesses for research and development of products or an office – would be similar in style to those at Prestonpans’ Mid Road.

Provost John McMillan, who represents the Haddington and Lammermuir ward on East Lothian Council, welcomed the approval.

The local authority’s spokesman for economic development and tourism said: “The new business units have the potential to contribute towards stimulating economic growth and local employment, which are big priorities for the council.”

The strip of land will see the nine units split between four buildings.

Two buildings would each house three units, with a third building home to two units and the fourth building as a standalone unit.

Previously, the site was earmarked for 14 business units but they have never been built.

The latest development attracted six objections from members of the public, who raised concerns over a loss of security, sunlight and privacy, as well as it being detrimental to neighbouring homes due to “noise, smell, litter and pollution” generated by the businesses.

Planning officers looked at the various concerns and said the construction of a security fence meant there would not be a loss of privacy.

The report added: “In their positions, the proposed industrial units would not result in an unacceptable loss of sunlight or daylight to any nearby residential properties.

“The proposal would not be an overdevelopment of the site, nor would the industrial units harm the privacy or amenity of any neighbouring land use or appear incongruous or incompatible with the built form and character of the area.”

The units would be accessed via West Road, with plans for a Starbucks cafe and drive-thru to the south of the site already in place.

Immediately to the west will be Gateside Retail Park, which is expected to host The Food Warehouse, Aldi, Home Bargains and Costa, as well as a petrol station.