East Lothian Council has approved the final draft of its Local Development Plan (LDP).

The blueprint sets out the councils planning strategy, sites and policies to guide and manage future development within the region.

As part of the LDP, the council aims to deliver 10,000 new homes over the next 10 years.

Councillors considered the draft Proposed LDP in November 2015, which was approved subject to various amendments. These included:

• The removal of the proposal for 1,000 homes at the Goshen Farm site, and the corresponding secondary education proposal on this site

• The allocation of Dolphingstone as an allocated site for 600 houses


• The allocation of Howemire, Wallyford for 100 homes

• The allocation of land at Craighall for mixed use development

• The allocation of Dolphingstone North, Prestonpans for up to 160 homes

• The removal of safeguarded land at Longniddry South

• The consideration of various sites in the North Berwick area for allocations for employment use

Council Leader Willie Innes said: "The fact is that under the approved Strategic Plan as approved by Scottish Ministers, East Lothian must be able to accommodate 10,000 new homes over the next decade and I believe the plan sets out the most sustainable development strategy for East Lothian to deliver its obligation.

"In so doing, the plan provides a real opportunity to secure land for affordable housing provision at scale in areas where demand for affordable homes significantly outstrips current supply.

"In that context, I welcome our draft affordable housing quota and tenure mix consultation exercise and specifically the seminar that will be organised to allow constructive and meaningful input from housing professionals, partners including Government, and in particular our tenants and residents groups."

(LM/CD)