MEMBERS of the public get the chance to see ambitious plans for a development featuring retail and leisure units on the outskirts of Dunbar for the first time tomorrow (Wednesday).

DunBear Park has been designed around The DunBear sculpture, which was unveiled last year.

The development, which is on land to the rear of the town’s Asda store and garden centre, is being proposed by Hallhill Developments Ltd.

The site includes retail and leisure units, drive-thru units, a hotel, offices, a nursery, care home and elderly amenity flats, as well as industrial and storage units.

The plans also include 100 low carbon affordable homes for rent, which will be aimed at key workers, such as NHS staff, police and care workers.

Representatives from the developer were on hand online to discuss the proposals during last week’s meeting with the town’s community council.

Pippa Swan, chairwoman of the community council, said: “What has become clear is the development is very, very much at the concept stage.

“It is actually really refreshing to have an opportunity to be involved in the conversation about development well before it becomes fully resolved.”

Assurances have been sought that the type of businesses looking to move onto the 54.3-acre site would not be duplicating those already in the town centre, while concerns about traffic accessing and leaving the site were also raised.

Philip Mellor, owner of the Dunmuir Hotel and chairman of Dunbar Trades’ Association, was also part of the online meeting.

He said: “The traders certainly support activity in that area as long as it is done in the right mind and we do not end up with two split towns – an old town and the new town.”

Discussions have already taken place with the developer with a view to ensuring there are appropriate signs in place to point people in the direction of the established town centre.

Mr Mellor felt integration and infrastructure were key to the development and was pleased to see the idea of a visitor centre included within the plans.

Ken Ross, from the developer, encouraged people to view the plans on Wednesday afternoon.

He said: “We are delighted to be putting forward our proposals to the local community for this exciting low carbon development and look forward to its involvement in shaping these proposals.

“DunBear Park will assist in creating jobs and delivering much-needed housing for key workers.

“It will also assist in supporting the construction-led recovery from the current crisis.

“We are seeking to deliver is an exemplar development, which not only Dunbar, but East Lothian and Scotland can be proud.

“The support of the community will be crucial in achieving this.”

To view the proposals, go to www.dunbearpark.com/planning between 2pm and 8pm tomorrow (Wednesday).

Hard copies of consultation boards and feedback forms can be obtained following the event by writing to DunBear Park, c/o Orbit Communications, 4 Queen Street, Edinburgh EH2 1JE or by phoning 0131 202 3259.

Feedback can be submitted up to June 26.