In General Questions Rachael Hamilton MSP again raised concerns of those residents in East Lothian.
Rachael Hamilton asked a question to the Minister for Local Government and Housing about the concerns raised throughout the county, including Gullane, Dirleton and Humbie, with regards to proposed housing developments.
South Scotland MSP, Rachael Hamilton, asked Kevin Stewart, the Minister responsible: ‘There are huge concerns in areas of East Lothian that housing developments will have a negative impact to health services, schools, public transport and so forth. Can the Scottish Government commit to an improvement in infrastructure before housing developments commence?’
The Minister responded: ‘The Scottish Government recognises that there is a need to improve the alignment of housing and infrastructure delivery and for that to be addressed in development plans. That significant issue is being considered in the on-going work to review the planning system. We are working with a wide range of stakeholders to consider the options for implementing the recommendations of the independent panel that reported in May. The output from that will inform a planning white paper that will be published around the end of this year.’
Rachael Hamilton MSP said:
‘Time and time again I have raised the concerns that proposed developments stress infrastructure to breaking point. Kevin Stewart has admitted that this concern is real.’
‘People in East Lothian are genuinely and rightfully concerned how new developments will impact health services, public services, schools and traffic. The Scottish Government so far has given no guarantee that these concerns will be addressed, instead passing the buck to local councils and developers.’
‘Today, however, we finally got an answer that the Government is taking some responsibility and reviewing the planning system and working to produce recommendations to ensure infrastructure is improved. I look forward to reading the planning white paper at the end of the year and making sure those recommendations are noted in current proposed housing developments in East Lothian.’
‘I have already offered solutions; reintroducing Reston and East Linton rail stations and duelling the A1 – as well as working to ease pressure on General Practices and schools.’
‘It is time that the Scottish Government and developers listen to the concerns of those in East Lothian and ensure concerns are addressed in the planning white paper.’