A SECOND bid for three homes on the outskirts of a village have been lodged after initial plans were turned down because they were deemed to be in the countryside – despite 90 homes being built on the opposite side of the road.

East Lothian Council refused permission to Carol Auld for three two-storey homes to be constructed to the south of the B6414 on Elphinstone’s western edge.

That came despite Bellway Homes building dozens of homes on a neighbouring site.

Four reasons were given for the refusal but a revised application has now been submitted for housing on the site in an attempt to see the homes built.

Tony Thomas, representing Mrs Auld, said that the context of the site had “changed dramatically”.

READ MORE: Elphinstone: Bid for three houses turned down near Bellway development

He said: “It no longer has the character of a grass field/paddock just outside the village, but will be very much part of the western edge of Elphinstone providing visual (and stylistic) balance to the development on the north of the road into the village.

“The village sign lies adjacent to the site and the speed limit changes to 20mph further to the west.

“Further context is provided by the existing buildings to the west of the site that also signify a more built-up environment.

“We acknowledge that they are more agricultural in appearance but do reflect a busy site on the edge of the built environment.

“They will soon be very much part of the village as the Bellway site is completed.”

Drawings with the new application show one of the homes with a bedroom on the ground floor alongside a lounge, dining, kitchen and sitting area.

The upstairs of the home features four bedrooms.

READ MORE: Plan for three homes on Elphinstone’s edge are revealed

The ground floor of the second plot shows a garage, lounge, dining and kitchen, while upstairs features four bedrooms.

The final plot has a similar layout.

The new application, according to Mr Thomas, addresses concern about access, parking and noise.

He stated: “Importantly, in trying to provide more affordable homes in rural locations, the applicant has the distinct advantage of owning the application site.

“Land value/land purchase prices can traditionally account for over a third of the development cost, which is of course reflected in the house prices.

“Owning the site already ensures that this is an affordable way in which the applicant can develop a new home for herself and her family in the most efficient and affordable way.”