A HISTORIC stable block at Inveresk could be transformed into a family home.

Hugh Younger has submitted a planning application to East Lothian Council to convert and extend the building at Catherine Lodge to create a four-bedroom house.

An access and design statement from Edinburgh-based Simon Laird Associates said that the stable block was currently used for storage and was generally in good condition, although it was not in daily use.

The building was part of Category A-listed Catherine Lodge house and grounds.

The main house dated to 1769, with the land forming the wider property being purchased by the original owner between 1765 and 1787.

The statement explained that the stable block could be assumed to be of the same period.

It is planned to demolish three small timber-framed structures adjacent to the main stable block, and replace these with a “modest” single-storey extension which has been designed to sit within the space formed by the existing boundary walls. Another small extension is proposed to the south-east.

“The proposed alterations to the external fabric of the coach house are very minimal,” the access and design statement claimed.

It added: “Internally, it is intended to frame out and finish the interior to a high standard, to comply with current building standards whilst also protecting the fabric of the existing building in line with best practice guidance such as Historic Environment Scotland’s Conversion of Traditional Buildings Guide for Practitioners.”

It is proposed that the existing vehicle access be retained, leading onto Double Dykes. The boundary walls marking the extent of the property, “an important feature of the local character of Inveresk”, would be retained and no alterations are proposed to these.

The access and design statement concluded: “It is felt the proposals offer a sympathetic and well-integrated refurbishment design for the stable block, to help bring this attractive but unused building back into use.

“The minimal alterations proposed to the existing building are enhanced by the proposed contemporary additions, and we believe that the design of these complements the existing building.”