PLANS are moving forward to transform the former Tranent Infant School into 21 new homes, following concerns that "nothing seemed to be getting done with the site".

Tranent Infant School was last used in 2007, when pupils moved to nearby Sandersons Wynd Primary School. 

The category-B listed building was put on the market by East Lothian Council in the summer of 2021, and proposals have been lodged with the planning department to breathe new life into the site.

Construction firm Dow McCartney Ltd is looking to create 14 houses and seven flats on the land, as well as garages and associated works.

This month, a number of drawings, including existing site plans, proposed site plans and overlooking diagrams, were added to the application.

The development would feature a range of two, three and four-bedroom properties, with the gym hall being divided into four flats.

According to a design and access statement included with the new proposals, “the premises have suffered from neglect, a lack of maintenance and vandalism”.

Robert McNeill, chair of Tranent and Elphinstone Community Council, cited the issue of vandalism as a reason why residents of the town were keen to see the plans progress.

READ MORE: Plans lodged for former Tranent Infant School hit by vandals

He said: "Obviously local people in the area and in the community of Tranent were concerned that nothing seemed to be getting done with the site.

"People were concerned that it just seemed to be like a builder's yard.

"For me personally, and for a lot of people in Tranent that went to the school, I think the bottom line for us it that we just want something done with it."

The school, which was built in 1890, has been blighted by anti-social behaviour and vandalism since its closure.

A condition survey report carried last year stated: "The subjects require a significant level of investment to return the premises into a sound state of repair just as it stands."

Mr McNeill added: "As far as the community council are concerned, we are just pleased that a planning application has been put in for this.

"We know that delays can happen.

"Hopefully we'll see something happening in the next couple of years."

Councillor Lee-Anne Menzies, ward member for Tranent, Wallyford and Macmerry, is "happy to see the site being used and not sitting decaying".

She said: "The school has sat empty for so long and the development of flats and some houses will bring life to that part of the town which is under-utilised presently.

"For me, it's showing that Tranent has a vibrant future and I look forward to welcoming the new residents to our community, once the houses are built."