The first Bellway home on the former opencast mine site at Blindwells has been built.

Blindwells, between Tranent and Cockenzie and Port Seton, has been earmarked for a new town for more than a decade.

Various planning applications have gone before East Lothian Council, with work under way to develop 1,600 homes over a period of eight to 10 years.

Jonathan Graham, developer, said that the “new homes are progressing well, with Bellway and Cruden both on site in different parts of Blindwells”.

He added: “We expect the first houses to be ready for occupation before Christmas this year.”

A total of 144 homes, a mix of three, four and five-bedroom properties, are being built by Bellway.

Hargreaves Land has agreed a £2.5m contract with civil engineering firm I & H Brown to deliver the second phase of infrastructure works at the 390-acre scheme.

The works will facilitate the development of further new homes by Bellway, which is currently on site, and Persimmon, which is looking to build 197 new homes.