A PETITION has been launched in opposition to transforming “an oasis in the urban landscape”.

East Lothian Council is exploring the possibility of creating more than 100 houses on the site of the former Herdmanflat Hospital in Haddington.

However, concerns have been raised after it was revealed just “50 per cent to 60 per cent” was likely to remain undeveloped.

Stuart Pe-Win, chair of Haddington Central Tenants’ and Residents’ Association and the town’s community council, said: “The old Herdmanflat grounds have always been a place for helping mental health and wellbeing.

“Now there are plans afoot to cut down the woodland, plough up the grassy fields and build generic three-to-four-storey housing as well as allowing car access.

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“Surely there is a better use for this lovely green space, which is home to nesting birds and all sorts of flora and fauna.

“This site needs to be protected and the land put to the use it was intended: mental health and wellbeing.”

Mr Pe-Win has launched a petition, which has attracted more than 150 signatures, to protect the Herdmanflat site.

A special meeting is planned for 3pm on Saturday at the town’s Trinity Centre.

Already, two rounds of public consultation have taken place to allow members of the public to see what is planned.

The former hospital closed in 2020 and services were moved to the nearby East Lothian Community Hospital.

Earlier this year, the council revealed it was exploring the possibility of as many as 140 homes for older people being built on the site.

READ MORE: Plans for 140 homes at former Herdmanflat Hospital

Consultation on the plans remains open until Monday.

A council spokesperson said: “Herdmanflat was purchased by the council as an integral part of its future affordable housing supply programme.

“In order to help meet the demands of East Lothian’s growing older population, our aim is to focus on delivering housing for older people with the possibility that other specialist housing could be introduced in the future.

“It’s important to stress that this will not be for private housing, or involve private developers.

“Health and wellbeing is at the heart of the redevelopment proposals, with active travel being promoted.

“We are aiming to preserve up to 60 per cent of green space, with minimal tree loss.

“Access through the site’s green spaces and walks will be easier.

“The three-month consultation is still under way.”