Heartbreaking loss for Haddington as Herdmanflat Woodland destruction begins

Haddington Community Woodlands and Friends of Herdmanflat Hospital today denounce the council’s decision to begin the destruction of the heart of the cherished Herdmanflat Woodland—a decision that comes despite two long years of pleas to reconsider and compromise.  Appeals, grounded in Policy 3 of National Planning Framework 4, were overruled by local councillors and members of the community council. 

“Our legally grounded pleas were not merely dismissed; they were trampled in a rush to rubber-stamp a decision that goes against the express wishes of the community,” said a Trustee of the Woodland charity. 

Support for our stand is clear:

• Over 300 individuals have thrown their support behind the CAT application.
• More than 1,500 residents have signed our petitions.
• Hundreds have attended public meetings.
• Our new Community Woodlands charity now boasts over 70 committed members.

The fate of Herdmanflat Woodland appears to have been sealed in closed-door policy and strategy meetings long before plans were ever presented to the public. Several community members attending public meetings felt disappointed “... the decision seemed to be a done deal’ and consultation exercises were nothing more than a hollow charade—a staged performance with no genuine intent to listen.”

“We have prepared a community asset transfer application, though we fully expect it to be dismissed out of hand.”

Campaigners asked for compromise in the plans, asking the council to spread the housing across East Lothian or that they build more densely in other areas of the site and retain the woodland as a community greenspace and haven for nature. Instead, residents will be left with a circular avenue of trees overlooked by three-storey buildings, a large car park, and a SUDS zone masquerading as a ‘water feature’. There is no guarantee that the council won’t sell off properties rather than provide much-needed social housing for the elderly.

Campaign supporters were distraught about the start of felling works yesterday to clear the site, with only 1 day’s notice. Previous felling works ‘accidentally’ removed trees with identified bat roosts and other healthy mature trees.

“It is heartbreaking to think of the habitat that has been lost and for future generations. We will no longer be able to enjoy the birdsong in the young Caledonian pines and see the buzzard hunting over the central scrub. So many locals have a deep attachment to this site the way it is now was. This has been a green haven for over a hundred years – we have missed a rare chance to do something positive for the community.” Said the spokesperson.  

Statement on Community Asset Transfer Request

We are pleased to share our plans to submit a Stage 1 Community Asset Transfer (CAT) application for Herdmanflat woodland. To facilitate this the Steering Group is now in the process of setting up Haddington Community Woodlands, which will be a charity.  This initial stage marks a pivotal moment in our efforts to acquire and safeguard this treasured green space for the benefit of the community. The CAT process offers a structured and community-led approach to securing the future of Herdmanflat Woodland as a valuable local asset, ensuring it remains a beautiful and accessible natural environment for generations to come.

By submitting a Stage 1 CAT application, we aim to demonstrate our commitment to preserving Herdmanflat Woodland and outline our vision for its future management and development. This application will be a significant milestone in our journey and will set the foundation for the subsequent stages of the CAT process.

We believe in finding a balanced and sustainable approach to land use that respects both the needs of the community and the environment. By submitting a Community Asset Transfer (CAT) request for Herdmanflat woodland, we are offering a compromise that prioritises the preservation of this cherished green space while also considering the financial implications for East Lothian Council (ELC).

Our proposal involves purchasing the woodland, which would prevent houses being built on this area of the site, thereby preserving the natural beauty and recreational benefits of the area. However, it is important to clarify that we are not against housing development on other areas of  the site, but not on the woodland. To address the reduced number of housing units resulting from our proposal, we have tried to engage in constructive discussions with ELC and suggested the possibility of building additional houses in other suitable areas of the site.

This compromise approach demonstrates our commitment to finding a mutually beneficial solution that allows for responsible development while safeguarding the unique character and value of Herdmanflat woodland for the benefit of current and future generations. We believe that through collaboration and open dialogue, we can create a win-win situation that meets the housing needs of the community while preserving and enhancing our precious green spaces.

Your support and engagement are crucial in making this vision a reality. We will keep you informed about our progress, upcoming milestones, and opportunities for community involvement. Together, we can work towards preserving Herdmanflat woodland and creating a lasting legacy for our community.

 ELC Statement on Planning application 30/11/2023

Following three years of detailed surveys, initial design work and a three month community consultation period, an application for planning permission in principle has been submitted for the redevelopment of the Herdmanflat Hospital site in Haddington.

The masterplan for the site was amended to take on board many points raised during the consultation, which included direct engagement with key local groups, a series of drop-in events for members of the public and an online survey.

The masterplan, on which the planning application is based, reflects and supports the identified, urgent need for more affordable housing for older people across the county. It will deliver a cutting-edge, high quality, adaptable and sustainable housing development.

It also respects the existing heritage, landscape character, green space and access arrangements of the site. The council’s aim is to create a distinctive neighbourhood with a strong sense of place and connection to the wider Haddington community and the town centre.

Key points of note include:

• The proposed density of housing is much lower than advocated standards for sites of this size and location
• This proposed affordable housing development for older people will provide much needed housing for the 600+ over 65s currently on the council’s housing list
• The redevelopment will provide housing that supports families living with dementia and other complex needs
• Plans include the retention of valued woodland and woodland paths, which will provide green space for walkers and assist with wider health and wellbeing and mental health promotion
• There will be natural play space for children, formal games and social spaces that promote healthier, more active living for people of all ages
• There will be community growing areas that promote health and wellbeing benefits including physical activity and mental health, and can assist in reducing the cost of living
• Active travel proposals (promoting walking and cycling) and increased access arrangements will make the green space more accessible for local residents
• The proposals seek to retain trees and provide additional planting to promote an increase in biodiversity across the site and are seen as consistent with the council’s recent declaration of a nature emergency
• The proposals promote walking, cycling and access to public transport. As a result, the car parking ratio has been reduced from the 150% of total dwellings requirement to 75% of total dwellings. This will promote lower car use and result in lower emissions
• The proposals demonstrate that by improving access through the Herdmanflat site the existing twenty minute neighbourhood walking catchment would be enlarged, making access across the neighbourhood to local shops and services, including the new community hospital, easier and faster
• Measures including dropped kerbs and better signage will enhance access to the town centre
• The new housing will be designed to meet the latest low carbon design criteria resulting in lower emissions
• The masterplan is a best practice approach to demonstrating alignment with National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4), as well as local and national planning and climate change policies.

The council purchased the site from NHS Lothian in April 2020, with support from the Scottish Government, when the hospital’s services moved to the new East Lothian Community Hospital. The proposals include a mix of affordable new build and refurbished properties that will assist in meeting East Lothian’s growing demand.

Members of the public will be able to read and give their view on the proposals via the council’s online planning portal. Background information can also be found on a dedicated Herdmanflat web page on the council website.

Published: Thursday, 30th November 2023