Retail space ‘uncertainty’ forces change of plans at Letham Mains

Permission was originally given for four retail units and 10 flats in a three-storey building off Hays Walk in Haddington’s Letham Mains development, beside Letham Mains Primary School.

Now East Lothian Council has given the green light to changes to the proposals.

Two extra flats will be built on the site, while there will also be an increase in retail floor space.

It remains to be seen if the retail space will be used by a single business or multiple occupiers, but it has been designed so that it can adapt to either.

Plans for retail businesses and flats at Letham Mains in Haddington have been revamped.

When a planning application for changes to the site was submitted in December last year to East Lothian Council, Carmichael Homes Haddington Ltd said: “The retail space is formed with supporting structure that allows for subdivision to meet user requirements.

“There remains some uncertainty in the marketability of the retail/commercial space, with this having been marketed for six months with no interest shown at this point.

“The development has, therefore, been designed in such a way to facilitate potential future conversion to residential, if necessary.

“The applicant has been considering the detail of the delivery of the commercial floor space and development has been challenged by increasing construction costs.

“Therefore, in order to make the development of these uses viable, there was a need to increase the number of residential units to achieve viability of much-needed affordable homes delivered at below market value.”

READ MORE: Haddington: More than 50 homes planned at Letham Mains

The council’s report on the plans noted the retail units were advertised for sale or rent with a closing date set for December last year.

However, “no offers” were received by that date.

Members of the public and the town’s community council were asked for their views on the scheme.

The local authority received one letter from a member of the public, who had concerns about increased congestion and also the type of retail unit, along with proposed opening hours and delivery arrangements.

The planning official noted that the retail unit was being designed in such a way that it could yet be divided into four units.

Plans for retail businesses and flats at Letham Mains in Haddington have been revamped.

They said: “Consequently it would contribute to the existing sustainable and well-connected location through the provision of space for future commercial services for existing and future occupants of this part of the Letham Mains development within a reasonable distance of their homes.

“It would be of a scale and nature commensurate with that which could be supported by the wider expansion of Letham Mains once complete and would therefore support local living.

“Therefore the proposed commercial unit would not compromise the integrity of the masterplan and development framework approved for Letham Mains.”