A PROMINENT town centre site in Musselburgh could be transformed into a mixed development of housing and commercial units.

An outline plan has been drawn up for the land and building that houses Poundstretcher, Poundland and the Post Office, which is currently up for sale.

Edinburgh-based Scarlett Land and Development is inviting offers for the “prime location” with “considerable redevelopment potential” on behalf of the owner, who has not been named.

Situated on the corner of Dalrymple Loan and High Street, an outline plan for 37 residential properties plus two commercial units has been drawn up for the site, subject to planning permission.

Scarlett Land and Development stated: “The site lies in the defined town centre, adjacent to the Musselburgh Conservation Area and in close proximity to listed buildings.

“Planning permission will be required for any redevelopment proposal and, whilst not allocated for any specific use within the East Lothian Local Development Plan, it is likely that a mixed use development of ground floor commercial with residential use above will be acceptable, subject to a high-quality scheme respecting the setting of the listed buildings, the character and appearance of the adjacent conservation area and the scale of buildings in the surrounding area.”

Architects have drawn up an outline scheme comprising of 37 residential units plus two commercial units at ground level fronting High Street. The housing is listed as one, two and three-bedroom properties, plus two commercial units of 122 and 173 sq.m.

A spokesperson for Poundland said: “We rent the store from the landlord and so the ownership is not really our concern. But we love being in Musselburgh and are proud to be part of the town’s retail community.”

A Post Office spokesperson said: “The premises where Musselburgh Post Office is based are up for sale. Poundstretcher is the company that operates this Post Office. We have not received any resignation at this stage, so it is business as usual at this Post Office.”

Poundstretcher had not responded at the time of going to press.

Colin Beattie, Musselburgh MSP, said: “‘Any business being put up for sale comes at a cost to the community, as with the loss of a local business comes a loss of jobs and services to the area.

“While we come out of the Covid-19 pandemic, we need businesses as we start to re-energise our economy. Though we also need more houses to be built locally, I would hope that these are not replacing valuable businesses locally – a decision which is permanent and negatively affects the lives of anyone employed there.

“I hope that suitable thought goes into this proposal and that the individuals that this would affect are given the utmost consideration.

“As always, I hope that the highest attention is given to the views of those who live in the community, as their opinions are what really matter in planning decisions.”

Kenny MacAskill, East Lothian MP, said: “Development is needed but must be appropriate for a busy location and central site.”

Musselburgh Conservation Society said it would reserve its position until members saw what was being proposed.

Musselburgh resident and Green campaigner Jason Rose, via social media, mooted the idea of the community owning the site and asked members of the public what they would like to see.

One post stated: “A proper covered market with independent fishmongers, grocers and butchers, plus other local producers and space for outdoor stalls too.

“What is needed is parking. No parking, limited shoppers,” added a member of the public.

Another said: “Something for the creative industry would be good. Small units at reasonable rents, photography studio with workshop space, sound recording studio, rehearsal spaces for bands/musicians.”

One post added: “Could be nice to have a proper supermarket right on High St again.

“My granny was forever complaining that Tesco was too far and it is quite a walk.”