News Release: Consultation on new development plan

East Lothian Council is seeking the views of residents and others on future land-use and development in East Lothian as it prepares a new Local Development Plan.

The plan will eventually replace the East Lothian Local Plan 2008.

Councillor Barry Turner, the Council’s planning spokesman said: “The Council is interested in hearing the views of everyone with an interest in East Lothian. We want to know what aspirations you have for the way your area might develop over the next ten years or so, and what planning issues you think may need to be addressed in the new plan.

“A series of events has been arranged to gather your views. These will be run independently by Planning Aid for Scotland (PAS), an impartial, charitable organisation that helps people have their say in the planning system. The input will help the Council prepare a document called the Main Issues Report, which will be published for consultation later this year.”

Community meetings for the general public will be held in each of East Lothian’s six main towns, with the addition of an event specifically to discuss the future role of Blindwells new settlement. There will also be a series of additional workshop meetings targeted at specific audiences.

Community Events: Wed 1 Feb, Town House, Haddington, 13.30-16.30; Fri 3 Feb, Town Hall, Prestonpans 9.30 – 12.30; Mon 6 Feb, Community Centre, North Berwick, 18.00-21.00; Thurs 9 Feb, Brunton Hall, Musselburgh, 18.00-21.00; Tues 21 Feb, Loch Centre, Tranent, 18.00-21.00; Sat 25 Feb, Hallhill Healthy Living Centre, Dunbar, 13.30 – 16.30.

Workshops: Blindwells Community Workshop, Mon 13 Feb, Loch Centre Tranent, 18.00-21.00; Community Council Workshop, Wed 8 Feb, Town House Haddington, 18.00-21.00; Business Community Forum, Wed 15 Feb, Brunton Hall, Musselburgh, 16.00-18.00; Developers’ Forum, Wed 22 Feb, Brunton Hall, Musselburgh, 14.00-17.00.

To attend one of the events, register your place by emailing training@planningaidscotland.org.uk or calling Deanne at Planning Aid for Scotland on 0131 220 9730. More information can be found online at www.planningaidscotland.org.uk and www.eastlothian.gov.uk/ldp