A new community of up to 1,600 homes is planned for a former open-cast coal site at Blindwells in East Lothian. It could have more homes than this in later years. But, is this site the best?
The proposed site is just off the A1 near Tranent, Prestonpans and Port Seton. If you take the Bankton junction on the A1 you can turn South and hit Tranent almost immediately. If you go North within 200 yards or so you can go west and the roundabout and hit Prestonpans within half a mile or so. If instead you head north you come to Port Seton in about a mile. If you head east, towards North Berwick, you will pass the proposed site on the South of the A198. I guess the small link road between these two roundabouts will become the main access route to the new town.
But, if it grows to almost 3,000 houses as indicated in this press report will there not be pressure put on the land inbetween it and the other towns mentioned for “infill” developments. Which of the existing towns expand first? Fortunately it can’t get near Longniddry thanks to the main railway line. East Lothian Council’s consultation can be found here.
Part of this site is suffering from drainage problems since the open-cast finished.
The Council state it will have primary schools, council office, parks, woodland, sports facilities, allotments. It may require a secondary school if it develops. Consideration has to be given to jobs and transport links. However, a new railway station is doubtful. The local train service just might get out of 2nd gear when it leaves Prestonpans station before it has to slow down again. A 2 minute journey?
Some of the Councillors refer to this a a chance to build a genuine new community that will be safe, green and not an urban sprawl but one says it must integrate with Tranent!
I suspect that in 10-20 years time there will be urban sprawl unless the Council is very strong on refusing development plans.
