A COMMERCIAL site in Musselburgh could be transformed into a block of 44 flats for rent.

Planning consent is being sought from East Lothian Council for the joint venture between Hopefield Partnerships and Places for People to make “a significant contribution to the affordable housing requirements both locally and nationally”.

The new development would be built on a brownfield site at Olive Bank Road, which is the current premises of HM Raitt & Sons, a local joiner/builder/contractor, and Campie Garage, a vehicle repair and maintenance outlet.

A design and access statement for the project said: “It should be noted that 100 per cent of the 44 proposed flats will be offered as mid-market rent (MMR) to meet the urgent need for quality affordable housing locally and contribute to the Scottish Government’s target of 50,000 affordable homes delivered during this Parliament term, with at least 35,000 homes for social rent.”

Hopefield Partnerships, which has been established to work in partnership with others to facilitate funding, building and management of affordable houses in the UK, would build the development.

Places for People, which has established an MMR fund to deliver 1,000 mid-market rental homes in Scotland, would manage the site after construction.

The fund is supported by the Scottish Government via low-cost loan and policy support from the mid-market sector, providing a range of homes for those who are not able to access social housing but for whom the traditional private sector remains out of reach.

The design and access statement said: “The project is an opportunity to turn an existing unattractive commercial site into a carefully considered and attractive new residential development.”

Thirty-six one and two-bedroom flats would be created in a 3.5-storey block facing Olive Bank Road.

Two smaller two-storey blocks on Campie Road would provide eight two-bedroom cottage flats.

A shared surface road would provide access to residents’ parking at the rear, with a total of 44 car parking spaces.

Bin stores and a cycle store would also be provided.

It is proposed to move the site vehicular access from the existing location on the “busy” Olive Bank Road to Campie Road, on the north-east of the site.

A path to link the development to the pedestrian walkway to the north is proposed to run through the site, improving connectivity and allowing a safe route to Olive Bank Road to Musselburgh Rugby Club and beyond.

Jim Raitt of HM Raitt & Sons said: "M Raitt & Sons Ltd are continuing to trade normally and, if planning permission is granted, will be looking for new premises for the continuation and expansion of this 110-plus-year-old business."