East Lothian Planning Committee met on Tuesday, 20 August and considered five planning applications, including redevelopment of the former Herdmanflat Hospital site in Haddington.
The proposal, brought forward by the council, sought planning permission in principle for the redevelopment of existing buildings and new build apartment buildings, associated landscape, roads, access and parking. The development proposals will provide up to 145 units of affordable housing for older people and community facilities.
The proposal seeks to respect the heritage, landscape character, green space and access arrangements of the site, with the aim of creating a distinctive neighbourhood with a strong sense of place and connection to the wider Haddington community and town centre.
The plans include an active travel link to the A199, new access points, open spaces, compensatory planting and a biodiversity strategy.
A masterplan for the site had been amended to take on board many points raised during the consultation, which included direct engagement with key local groups, a series of drop-in events for members of the public and an online survey.
Thirty-eight letters of objection and one letter of support were received. Haddington Community Council were supportive of the application. They noted that changes were made following public feedback and that the final proposals are a sympathetic development, retaining much of the open ground. They also acknowledged the need for supported housing for the elderly and disabled people on a site that is close to the centre of Haddington and felt that this outweighs the changes that the development will bring to the site.
Planners had recommended granting consent for the application. The application was approved unanimously by committee members.
The committee then considered an application from Taylor Wimpey East Scotland seeking retrospective advertising consent for the display of advertisement signage on land adjacent to the junction of James Kirk Way with Yosemite Park and Brodie Road. This is in relation to a housing development. Three letters of objection were received. Planners had recommended consenting the application which was approved by nine votes to one.
The next application sought retrospective planning consent for a portacabin, containing staff welfare facilities, within an area of Musselburgh Racecourse close to a residential property. One letter of objection to the application had been received. Planners recommended granting consent. The application was approved unanimously.
An application seeking retrospective planning consent for the installation of a vent and air conditioning unit at 82-84 High Street, Musselburgh, was also considered. Four objections were received in response, including a concern about the smelling of fumes within a residential property. Planners recommended granting consent. This was approved by the committee subject to a condition in relation to the vent that this would be granted for a temporary period of one year. This would allow the council to monitor the situation in the interests of the amenity of residential properties.
Finally, an application for the installation of a vent, air conditioning unit, signage and painting of the front of the building (part restrospective) at 82-84 High Street, Musselburgh, was also considered. Planners recommended consent and the application was unanimously approved by the committee.
Reports for each application, which were considered by the Planning Committee, are available on the council website: Agendas, reports and minutes | East Lothian Council