WORK on the new £14.2 million primary school in Whitecraig could start next summer.

The facility, earmarked for land next to the current primary school at Whitecraig Crescent, is expected to be ready for occupation in early 2025.

The school campus will be extended by 0.6ha (1.5 acres), taking in farmland south west of the existing site.

The land was allocated in East Lothian Council’s Local Development Plan for that purpose.

The replacement school will be built across both parts of the site, while the existing school is still in use, and the area where the existing school building is – which will be demolished after completion of the new school – will still be used as part of an enlarged school campus.

Plans have been submitted by the council to its planning department for consideration, and members of the public have the chance to comment on the project.

The move follows “extensive early engagement” with the community on the development of the plans and the submission of a pre-application notice (PAN) in November last year.

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The proposals will be discussed at a future meeting of the council’s planning committee.

A council spokesperson said: “A new school is needed in the village to accommodate a growing school population as a result of ongoing and planned residential development within the area.

“The current school building, which dates from 1959, has been rated category C for condition and suitability, and would be difficult to extend effectively in a way that would provide an acceptable configuration for the whole school.

“The replacement school offers an opportunity to provide modern learning spaces in an energy-efficient building.

“Community feedback from the consultation on the early stage proposals highlighted the school’s potential to address inequalities within the village in terms of access to local facilities and employment opportunities.

“This feedback has been incorporated within the plans for a building which can also benefit the expanding community through links with community sports facilities and other partners.”

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Some £14.224 million has been set aside in the council’s capital programme for the work, with developer contributions secured.

“The current construction climate means that costs are being carefully monitored,” said the spokesperson.

Councillor Fiona Dugdale, cabinet member for education, families and children’s services, said: “The design statement within the planning application details our vision of a school that offers children a modern and inspiring place in which to learn and also supports staff to deliver the best educational experiences.

“Our teams have taken on board feedback gathered from Whitecraig residents throughout early design stages and to ensure that the new building will offer wider opportunities for this growing community.”