“A NUMBER of planning applications” are expected within a matter of weeks as part of a large-scale development on the outskirts of Dunbar.

Proposals were revealed last year to see the more than 50-acre site, east of the town’s Asda store and garden centre, developed.

Already, an application has been lodged with East Lothian Council looking at the possibility of a drive-thru Starbucks being built beside the neighbouring McDonald’s.

Ward councillor Norman Hampshire predicted there would be more applications for the council to consider on the horizon.

He told Dunbar Community Council: “The developer is doing test bores across most of the site now. You should expect a number of applications for that site over the next month or so.”

Plans looking to allow signs, featuring the Starbucks logo, have been lodged with East Lothian Council’s planning department by Ormiston-based Burton and Speke Ltd.

Drawings included with that application show the coffee shop, as well as eight electric vehicle charging points, and spaces for more than 30 further vehicles.

Any bid to build the restaurant itself would require a separate planning application.

Hallhill Developments Ltd unveiled early plans last year, with the site earmarked for offices, as well as industrial, retail, leisure and extra-care facilities, as well as housing.

Ken Ross, from Hallhill Developments Ltd, confirmed they were looking to push on with the proposals during 2021.

He said: “We are undertaking a series of site investigation works. This will enable us to progress the essential infrastructure works and renewable energy proposals, ensuring the delivery of exciting future developments at DunBear Park.

“The exciting mixed-use development will adopt the latest low-carbon technology, providing clean green energy for the development.

“The first stages will see the roads, footpaths and renewable energy proposals undertaken. Planning applications on these have now been submitted.

“We are also in discussions with further potential end-users to see how we can progress other developments on this site, delivering employment opportunities and supporting the construction-led economic recovery from Covid-19.

“We will in the near future be looking to bring forward fully-policy compliant applications at DunBear Park and will update the community on this in due course.”

Community councillors were asked to provide feedback on the plans for the coffee shop signs.