Plans for business space at Letham Mains face revamp

Permission was previously given for four retail units and 10 flats in a three-storey building off Hays Walk at Letham Mains.

More than 800 homes are planned for the full site, which is between West Road and Pencaitland Road, while neighbouring Letham Mains Primary School opened its doors in February 2021.

Now fresh plans for a section of the site have been submitted to East Lothian Council.

The proposals would mean “a relatively small” increase to the building’s footprint and 12 flats built instead of 10.

Plans for retail businesses and flats at Letham Mains in Haddington have been revamped

There would also be an increase in the retail floor space, although the plans suggest it could be for one business rather than four.

A planning statement included with Carmichael Homes Haddington Ltd’s application reads: “The retail floor space is formed with supporting structure that allows for subdivision to meet user requirements.

“There remains some uncertainty in the marketability of the retail/commercial space, with this having been marketed for six months with no interest shown at this point.

“The development has, therefore, been designed in such a way to facilitate potential future conversion to residential, if necessary.

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“This will allow for the reuse of these spaces and avoid long-term vacancies.

“The applicant has been considering the detail of the delivery of the commercial floor space and development has been challenged by increasing construction costs.

“Therefore, in order to make the development of these uses viable, there was a need to increase the number of residential units to achieve viability of much-needed affordable homes delivered at below market value.”

Plans for retail businesses and flats at Letham Mains in Haddington have been revamped

The dozen flats, which would be two-bedroom properties, are described as “affordable homes” and would be built for and operated by Places for People.

The proposed changes would also mean a change in the number of parking spaces.

The initial plans had “minimal” car parking, with eight spaces next to the building and a further eight spaces located nearby.

The planning statement notes: “In order to accommodate the increase in affordable flats the parking provision has been increased to a total of 18 spaces on either side of Oak Tree View as approved.”

Bicycle parking would also be in place through a secure store within the building.

A decision on the latest application is expected by the middle of next month.