Couple seek approval for home near Whitekirk after ‘exhaustive search’

East Lothian Council is being asked to approve a four-bedroom family home near Whitekirk.

Gary MacPherson, who works locally as an estate gamekeeper, and Anna Smith are said to have spent the past few years looking for suitable premises.

A planning support statement included with their application for the house highlights the attempts previously made to find a suitable site or existing property.

Tony Thomas, of agents APT Planning & Development, said: “This is a very specific project for the applicants who would occupy the new home at Newmains.

“Mr MacPherson was born and brought up in the area, attended the local schools and works locally as an estate gamekeeper. He very much wants to raise his family in the area.

“His elderly parents live close by and are increasingly dependent on his ongoing daily support.

“Ms Smith runs her own small business from home and as such does not travel for work. She would be based out of Newmains.

“Over the past few years, Anna and Gary have lived at Gay Cottage, one of the adjacent properties to the application site.

“During this time, they have undertaken an exhaustive search for a property suitable for a growing family, Gary’s job and work patterns whilst also acting as a base for Anna as a mother and entrepreneur.

“This search has looked at some of the many new-build properties across East Lothian as well as ad hoc established properties that have become available nearby.

“The latter tend to be very expensive whilst the former are not compatible with Gary’s occupation, where he works unsociable hours and may be using estate-type vehicles on any given day (quad bike/four-wheel drives etc).”

They hope development on the proposed site at Newmains would have “little or no impact on the surrounding area”.

Drawings with the application show four bedrooms, a living area, kitchen, utility room, family area and study area.

A decision is anticipated by the middle of next month.