A FORMER manse which was home to the Church of Scotland’s social work service could be transformed into apartments.

The building on Dunbar’s Bayswell Road is currently empty, with development going on around it.

Development of the site has been split into three phases, with 18 apartments already created to the east of the manse.

Another planning application, which aims to “respond to the shortage of affordable housing and provides 27 new apartments which are conveniently located in close proximity to Dunbar town centre”, has been lodged with East Lothian Council’s planning department, with a decision yet to be made.

Now, the latest proposals look at the manse, which faces out towards the North Sea.

On the ground floor, a one-bedroom and a three-bedroom flat would be created, with six parking spaces outside.

Upstairs, a two-bedroom flat would be created on both the first and second floors.

Consideration was previously given to transforming the building back into a single house. However, a design and access statement included with the latest planning application ruled that out.

The document reads: “The old manse is currently empty following the decision by the former tenant, Church of Scotland, to relocate their social work services to an alternative location.

“Given the previous and historic residential use of the building, it is now considered timely and appropriate to revert this vacant building back to a residential use.

“The building has had several internal alterations over the years and as such will benefit from a comprehensive internal remodelling to bring the building up to 21st-century standards.

“Rather than try to provide a single residential unit, we consider that a more appropriate use will be to split the building into four units, thereby complying with good practice on appropriate re-use of buildings and making efficient use of land for housing.”

Externally, little change is proposed to the look of the building, with repainting and repairs to be carried out.

The developer described the proposals as “positive” and noted it formed part of the overall redevelopment of the site.

A decision is expected towards the end of next month.