AN AMBITIOUS development on the edge of Dunbar could include 100 homes for key workers.

Early plans for land to the rear of the town’s Asda store show retail, office and leisure spaces.

The proposals, which are now with East Lothian Council, also include 100 low-carbon affordable homes for rent, which will be aimed at key workers such as NHS staff, police and care workers.

The scheme, which is sandwiched between the East Coast Main Line and the A1, will go on display to the public on June 3.

Ken Ross, of Hallhill Developments Ltd, the company behind the plans, told the Courier: “We are delighted to be bringing forward proposals for our low-carbon community, which we are aiming to be an exemplar development, adopting the latest low-carbon technology.

“We will be undertaking extensive engagement on our proposals and look forward to the involvement of the community in shaping our development.”

The site surrounds The DunBear sculpture, which was unveiled towards the end of last year.

The five-metre-tall sculpture was created by renowned Scottish artist Andy Scott, who was also responsible for the Kelpies, near Falkirk.

The sculpture pays tribute to Dunbar-born naturalist John Muir, who is credited with playing a key role in the establishment of national parks around the world.

According to the developer: “Built on the success of the sculpture, the development will assist in creating jobs and delivering housing for key workers, who have played such a vital role during Covid-19. It will also play a major role in supporting the economic recovery from the current crisis, in which the construction sector could play a major part.”

A Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) is with the local authority’s planning department for the site.

DunBear Park is a 54.3-acre mixed-use development which aims to provide a variety of retail, office, leisure, distribution and residential opportunities, as well as community uses.

Included within the site are retail and leisure units, drive-thru units, a hotel, offices, a nursery, care home and elderly amenity flats, as well as industrial and storage units.

An innovation centre will also assist in accelerating the business growth of entrepreneurs, business start-ups and SMEs (small and medium enterprises).

If approved, DunBear Park will adopt innovative low-carbon technology to generate renewable heat and power on site, ensuring minimal impact on the environment. Since commencing work in 1999, the Hallhill mixed-use development has delivered considerable retail and leisure opportunities.

Extensive community engagement on the proposals for DunBear Park will be undertaken.

However, based on new Scottish Government guidance that has temporarily suspended public consultation events, the consultation will take place online from 2pm to 8pm.

A weblink will be confirmed nearer the time.

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