Gladsmuir: Housing plans would double village's population

Twenty-six luxury homes, all with four bedrooms, are proposed for land between Gladsmuir and the neighbouring A1.

The village, between Haddington and Macmerry, has a population of about 100 spread over 50-55 homes.

This could take it to 200 residents. Gladsmuir has a church, a petrol station/car garage, and a small play park.

A planning application for the homes, for land to the north and east of the village’s Lamington Road, has been submitted to East Lothian Council by Briar Homes.

A sizeable expansion is planned for the eastern end of Gladsmuir (Image: Newsquest)

Harriet Milbourne, who lives in Gladsmuir and represents the village on Macmerry and Glasdsmuir Community Council, had “concerns” about the proposals.

She said: “We first became aware of the fact this could happen around about a year ago.

“We held a meeting, a village meeting, at the time, and the general consensus was that the village is not happy with the idea.

“On the whole, the village is against it.”

Among the concerns is the increase in traffic on the A199, which cuts through the village.

Ian Pryde, secretary of the community council, noted that housing developments in Macmerry had added more cars to the road as people left the village to go shopping or to work.

READ MORE: Letter of the week: Delight at Gladsmuir speed limit cut short-lived!

He said: “We have got the best part of 200 houses in Macmerry and there are huge numbers in Haddington. Where are these folk going to get employed? They are going to travel to Edinburgh or Dunbar.”

It was also highlighted that Gladsmuir did not possess many amenities, which would result in people commuting elsewhere for work and leisure.

A design and access statement with Briar Homes’ proposals notes: “An area of open space will form the heart of the site, and will create a focal point and amenity space for new residents.

“This will also reflect the character of a village green, which is typical of smaller villages and parishes within the surrounding area.”

Previously, the 1.65-hectare site was used for agricultural purposes.

However, it was earmarked for a sizeable development a number of years ago.

A sizeable expansion is planned for the eastern end of Gladsmuir (Image: Newsquest)

The developer notes an application was submitted to East Lothian Council 25 years ago for “a major expansion” to the village.

Those plans, which were dismissed, would have seen development on both sides of the road and covered “a much wider area” than the current application.

Developers deemed the past application to have “little relevance” to the current proposals.

Discussions first took place with the local authority at the beginning of the year.

At that time, it was agreed that the principle of development on the site was “acceptable”, subject to detailed considerations.

The developers said: “This design proposal will provide a sustainable new neighbourhood on a site which is allocated for residential development.

"A range of new homes will cater to the widest section of the market, with a mix of private and affordable tenures.

“This development will encourage active travel through the incorporation of new footpath links which connect directly to existing footpaths and cycle paths along the A199. In addition, the retention and enhancement of the existing bus stop at the entrance to the site will provide easy access to regular bus services into the surrounding towns, villages and as far afield as Edinburgh, making this an ideal location for commuters.”

A sizeable expansion is planned for the eastern end of Gladsmuir (Image: Newsquest)

Kenny MacAskill, MP for East Lothian, stressed there was a need for homes in East Lothian but new facilities too.

He said: “It’s not so much one application for a small number of houses that’s the issue but the number of them and the scale of what’s being built. Not just villages but towns are struggling to adapt and facilities cannot cope.

“Locals are losing the greenspace and community they had. Yet at the same time, homelessness and couch surfing is growing and the cost of private rents increasing.

“We do need homes but they need to go in tandem with provision for public facilities, take account of communities’ concerns and also address the social housing that’s urgently needed.”

The Rev Robin Hill, minister of Gladsmuir Parish Church linked with Longniddry Parish Church, said: “This is very much a live issue in and around Gladsmuir as planning processes run their course.

“Whatever happens, Gladsmuir Church will always remain a warm and welcoming congregation for any residents in the parish.”

Residents are due to meet tonight (Thursday) to discuss the proposals by the Glasgow-based firm.