A BID to transform a “major, major blight” in Haddington into a new care home has been welcomed.

Knowe Properties Limited was given the go-ahead to breathe new life into Templedean Hall in November.

The former orphanage has sat empty for more than a decade and has been the target of anti-social behaviour in recent years.

The developer hopes to turn the building into a 60-bed care home – a plan welcomed by David Barrett, from the town’s community council.

He updated community council colleagues on the planning application in the group’s final meeting of 2021.

He said: “I’m delighted to see that this major, major blight on the town is now being divided into a 60-bed care home.

“I think that is a wonderful achievement.”

The building, off the town’s Herdmanflatt and Templedean Park, dates back to 1893.

A substantial extension will be created on the site, which was previously used as a girls’ home and a nursing home.