PROPERTY management company Places for People is to start work on the first phase of a new extension to the village of Longniddry in East Lothian.

Phase one of Longniddry South includes a development of 39 affordable rent homes specially designed for people over 60 by Edinburgh based architects Smith Scott Mullan.

Zero C, part of Places for People, will develop 59 homes for sale designed by celebrated architect Ben Pentreath.

Places for People’s interim director of development for Scotland, Willie Lockhart, said: “This is a great example of the benefits of working closely in partnership with landowners who care about the community, and we are delighted to have the go-ahead to begin building at Longniddry.

“It promises to be a truly special development offering benefits to both new and existing residents of the village.

“The layout of the development and design of the individual homes by Ben Pentreath reflect the best of East Lothian traditions. It will provide existing and future residents of Longniddry with a range of two, three and four bed high quality homes set in an attractive landscaped environment, including extensive green spaces. Given the proximity to Edinburgh and excellent transport networks, we anticipate high demand from buyers.

“Smith Scott Mullan is behind some of Scotland’s multi awardwinning developments for older people and our plans for Longniddry will deliver much-needed quality new homes at affordable rent for those who qualify.”

The approved masterplan, by Taylor Architecture and Urbanism, for a sustainable development of a total of 450 new homes at Longniddry South has been developed by landowner Wemyss and March Estates in partnership with master developer and strategic land promoters Socially Conscious Capital.

The existing local community has helped to shape plans for the new development, which also includes plans for commercial use of the existing farm steading on the site, through extensive engagement processes undertaken by The Prince’s Foundation, which began in 2012.