HOW TO OBJECT

An application for planning permission in principle has been submitted for the redevelopment of the Herdmanflat Hospital site by East Lothian Council. The plan includes the building of 73 houses in the small woodland to the south of the site.  If like us, you think that the development of the site will destroy the green oasis that we all love then please object now.  Find out how to object below.

We know Christmas is just around the corner but please take a few minutes to stand up for Herdmanflat and object.

Everyone has the right to comment on a planning application. You don’t have to live in the area or be a member of HCTRA.  

You will have to act fast as we are only given a short time to respond. 

DEADLINE FOR OBJECTIONS:31/12/2023

One way to object to the planning application is in writing by post or e-mail.  

We have prepared a template letter that you can use (clip and paste).  It outlines the main objections to the development.  You can add your address and name and send it to:-

Email: environment@eastlothian.gov.uk

Post: 

Keith Dingwall

Service Manager

Planning

John Muir House, 

Brewery Park

Haddington

EH41 3HA

You can also comment on the application via ELC's Planning Portal which you can find HERE.

• Objection Letter

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[City/ Town]

[Postal Code]

Keith Dingwall

Service Manager

Planning 

John Muir House, 

Brewery Park, 

Haddington,

EH41 3HA

Re: Objection to Planning Application for Housing Development - 23/01367/PPM 

Dear Mr Dingwall

I am writing to formally register my strong objection to the planning application submitted by East Lothian Council for the proposed housing development at Herdmanflat under application reference number 23/01367/PPM. I am deeply concerned about the negative impacts of the housing development on the woodland and wildland to the south of the site and its effect on our local community and the surrounding environment.

I believe that this housing development, if approved, would have several negative consequences, including:

• Traffic Congestion: An influx of new residents and vehicles will exacerbate traffic congestion in the vicinity, posing safety hazards and reducing the quality of life for current residents.  Pedestrian access to the site from the west (via Hope Park/Lydgait) is difficult with a very narrow footpath on the right and an unsafe crossing spot (which is just lines on the road with no pavement). There is no pavement on the left-hand side from the main road until you reach the site.
• Environmental Concerns: The proposed development will have adverse effects on the local environment, including damage to natural habitats, the removal of trees, disruption of local wildlife, and potential strain on water resources as well as risk of flooding.
• Loss of Green Spaces: The proposed development will result in the loss of the valuable green space and open area our community currently enjoys. This space provides recreational opportunities and contributes to our community's well-being.  Herdmanflat is one of the last few publicly accessed green spaces in this area of central Haddington and it is vital for environmental and well-being reasons.
• Aesthetic Impact: The size and design of the proposed development are not in keeping with the character of our community, diminishing the aesthetic appeal of the area. The proposed buildings are too tall and the development is too dense.
• Noise and Light Pollution: The increased urbanization will lead to higher noise and light pollution levels, which will be detrimental to the peaceful living conditions we currently enjoy.
• The findings of the Tree and Woodland Strategy for East Lothian should be considered before deciding how much of the site should be urbanised and how much of the site should be retained as unchanged green space.
• National Planning Framework 4 - there needs to be more time to reconsider the integrated impact assessment under the new guidelines in NPF 4.
• There has been insufficient time to consider the findings of the Nature Networks East Lothian consultation.
• The development of the site does not follow the aims and objectives of the Natural Space and 20-minute Neighbourhoods ideas

I kindly request that East Lothian Council thoroughly assess these concerns and carefully consider the potential negative impacts of this housing development on our community. I also urge you to consult with local residents and stakeholders to gather their input and address any issues that may arise.

Furthermore, I would appreciate the opportunity to attend any public meetings or consultations regarding this planning application to voice my objections in person and engage in a constructive dialogue with the council and the developers.

In conclusion, I strongly believe that the proposed housing development would not be in the best interests of our community and the environment. I trust that East Lothian Council will take my concerns into account when making a decision on this planning application.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to receiving updates on the progress of this application and any opportunities for public input.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Name]

East Lothian Council advising that they have now lodged their "Herdmanflat Masterplan Planning Permission in Principle application.  You can download it HERE 

Send your objection to

Keith Dingwall

Service Manager

Planning

John Muir House, 

Brewery Park, 

Haddington,

EH41 3HA

environment@eastlothian.gov.uk

• You can of course send our template letter but we understand that the letters are better if they are more personalised.  If you'd like to write your own letter, you could comment on 

• What Herdmanflat woodland means to you 
• Traffic Congestion: An influx of new residents and vehicles would likely exacerbate traffic congestion in the vicinity, posing safety hazards and reducing the quality of life for current residents.
• Environmental Concerns: The proposed development may have adverse effects on the local environment, including damage to natural habitats, disruption of local wildlife, and potential strain on water resources as well as risk of flooding.
• Loss of Green Spaces: The proposed development could result in the loss of valuable green spaces and open areas our community currently enjoys. These spaces provide recreational opportunities and contribute to our well-being.  Herdmanflat is one of the last few publicly accessed green spaces in central Haddington and it is vital for environmental and well-being reasons.
• Aesthetic Impact: The size and design of the proposed development are not in keeping with our community's character, diminishing the area's aesthetic appeal. The proposed buildings are too tall. 
• Noise and Light Pollution: The increased urbanization could lead to higher levels of noise and light pollution, which would be detrimental to the peaceful living conditions we currently enjoy.
• Tree and Woodland Strategy: The findings of the Tree and Woodland Strategy for East Lothian should be considered before deciding how much of the site should be urbanised and how much of the site should be retained as unchanged green space. 
• National Planning Framework 4: There has been insufficient time to reconsider the integrated impact assessment under the new guidelines in NPF 4.
• There has been insufficient time to consider the findings of the Nature Networks, East Lothian consultation.  
• The development of the site does not follow the aims and objectives of the Natural Space and 20-minute Neighbourhoods ideas

WHAT CAN NOT BE CONSIDERED IN AN OBJECTION LETTER

• Property value.
• Personal matters.
• Disputes or covenants.
• Loss of view, However you can object on loss of outlook.
• Building regs.