First homes at Blindwells to go on sale this spring

The former opencast mine site at Blindwells, between Tranent and Cockenzie and Port Seton, has been earmarked for housing for more than a decade.

Various planning applications have gone before East Lothian Council, with work under way on the first phase of the development.

One-hundred-and-forty-four homes, a mix of three, four and five-bedroom properties, are being built by Bellway.

An artist's impression of how the new homes at Blindwells will look

The new homes, which will be available to reserve “in the spring” and come with solar panels, will be a mix of terraced, semi-detached and detached properties.

Councillor Norman Hampshire, deputy leader of East Lothian Council, was pleased to see work progressing on the site off the A1.

He said: “The first new homes nearing completion at Blindwells is a truly exciting time for East Lothian.

“The development at Blindwells is not just a new town.

“We are working closely with developers, partner agencies and the Scottish Government to ensure Blindwells and the surrounding area is an exemplar development which has the benefit of new and existing communities at its heart, with a strong emphasis on connectivity, active travel, job provision and achieving a net zero carbon future.”

Work is currently ongoing at the site

Outline planning permission for 1,600 homes at Blindwells is already in place, with a vision to expand the development further eastwards with another 1,600 homes.

Developer Hargreaves Land’s proposals also include new education facilities, a healthcare hub, local retail outlets and a range of other services to help establish a thriving new community.

Iain Slater, development and estates director at Hargreaves Land, said: “Over the past six years, significant investment has been made in order to facilitate new residential development at Blindwells, so it is with great pleasure that we welcome the start of Prince’s Gate.

“We have experienced a strong level of interest from housebuilders since we started marketing the scheme last year, which has led to us making excellent progress on the residential element of Blindwells.

“In the coming weeks, we will be launching the marketing of the next residential plot and announcing the start of the next phase of residential development, so we have a lot to look forward to, despite the challenges that the pandemic has presented.”

Work is currently ongoing at the site

In recent weeks, Hargreaves Land has also exchanged a conditional sale contract with Persimmon for a 12.9-acre plot, with capacity for a further 196 homes, including 30 properties designated as affordable.

The sale is conditional upon receipt of detailed planning permission and the completion of infrastructure works to service the site.

Lynn Pringle, sales director at Bellway Homes Limited (Scotland East), said: “With a rich heritage, spectacular surrounding countryside and an excellent commuting location, Blindwells is set to become a highly desirable residential development.

“We are delighted to be a vanguard on the development, creating quality family homes, and look forward to seeing the site taking shape and welcoming new residents.”