NEARLY 30 new affordable flats could be built on the grounds of a former manse in Dunbar’s conservation area.

Plans for 27 new homes on behalf of East Lothian Housing Association have been lodged with East Lothian Council.

Developer Whiteadder Ltd has outlined plans to create a courtyard-style development next to the vacant manse, on Bayswell Road, which has been operating more recently as St Andrews Centre, home to Crossreach counselling services.

Planning permission to convert the manse itself into four apartments was approved in December by the local authority.

The application for the grounds is described as the third phase in a three-phase plan to provide affordable housing on the site.

Concerns were raised about the impact of the new build on the manse, which is not a listed building but is described as adding to the character of the conservation area.

In their design statement, agents for the developers said the new scheme would “respect the frontage of the existing manse and provide as many affordable units as appropriate”.

It added: “This proposal responds to the shortage of affordable housing and provides 27 new apartments which are conveniently located in close proximity to Dunbar town centre.”