Redevelopment of Herdmanflat

Following three years of detailed surveys, exploratory design work and a three month community consultation period, an application for planning permission in principle for the redevelopment of the Herdmanflat Hospital was validated by the council’s Planning Department on 30 November 2023

The masterplan Design and Access Statement can be viewed in the “Documents” section  along with other key supporting documents.

If you wish to comment on the proposals, you can do so via the council’s online planning portal which can be accessed by selecting “Planning applications search” on the home page of the council website. The reference number for the in principle application is 23/01367/PPM.

The masterplan supports the identified, urgent need for more affordable housing for older people across the county. It will deliver a cutting-edge, high quality, adaptable and sustainable housing development. It also respects the existing heritage, landscape character, green space and access arrangements of the site. The council’s aim is to create a distinctive neighbourhood with a strong sense of place and connection to the wider Haddington community and the town centre.

The council has considered the concerns raised during consultation meaningfully in its revised and updated proposals, and has utilised a “Community Feedback Addressed” stamp throughout the design and access statement to draw attention to specific matters where community feedback have been addressed.

The proposals are centred on a place based approach and seek to strike the right balance that will ensure the majority of the site remains safe & accessible to the surrounding community. Trees and greenspace have been protected whilst allowing the pressing need for new more specialist affordable housing to be met, and the requirement for a more joined up approach to future health and social care service delivery to be facilitated.

Key points of note include:

• the proposed density of housing is much lower than advocated standards for sites of this size and location.
• this proposed affordable housing development for older people will provide much needed housing for the 600+ over 65s currently on the council’s housing list.
• the redevelopment will provide housing that supports families living with dementia and other complex needs.
• plans include the retention of valued woodland and woodland paths, which will provide green space for walkers and assist with wider health and wellbeing and mental health promotion.
• there will be natural play space for children, formal games and social spaces that promote healthier, more active living for people of all ages.
• there will be community growing areas that promote health and wellbeing benefits including physical activity and mental health, and can assist in reducing the cost of living.
• active travel proposals (promoting walking and cycling) and increased access arrangements will make the green space more accessible for local residents
• the proposals seek to retain trees and provide additional planting to promote an increase in biodiversity across the site and are seen as consistent with the council’s recent declaration of a nature emergency.
• the proposals promote walking, cycling and access to public transport. As a result, the car parking ratio has been reduced from the 150% of total dwellings requirement to 75% of total dwellings. This will promote lower car use and result in lower emissions.
• the proposals demonstrate that by improving access through the Herdmanflat site the existing twenty minute neighbourhood walking catchment would be enlarged, making access across the neighbourhood to local shops and services, including the new community hospital, easier and faster.
• measures including dropped kerbs and better signage will enhance access to the town centre.
• the new housing will be designed to meet the latest low carbon design criteria resulting in lower emissions.
• the masterplan is a best practice approach to demonstrating alignment with National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4), as well as local and national planning and climate change policies.