Work has begun on the first council houses to be built in Dunbar since 1974.

Ogilvie Construction has begun work on the 2.2hectare site following a competitive tender process.

The finished development will combine 44 houses, including a number of wheelchair-adapted properties, with 44 two-storey flats. The development will be delivered in six phases, with full completion expected in Spring 2011.

Planning permission was granted in January 2009 and a local consultation was held on Monday 29 June to give neighbouring properties and Dunbar residents the chance to learn more about the development, comment on practical arrangements at the site and any other concerns.

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A number of changes have been made in response, such as internal redesign of some units to prevent them overlooking existing properties and traffic calming measures during construction at Lochend Place. The Council has also agreed to replace a strip of fencing to a section at Brunt Place to increase privacy for those neighbours.

Cabinet member for Environment, Councillor Paul McLennan, said: "The local consultation highlighted a number of issues that were important to the neighbouring properties, such as parking and traffic calming measures. While the planning process considers these aspects, local knowledge is important to make sure that the new homes integrate well into surrounding developments."

Cabinet member for Housing and Community Services Councillor Stuart Currie added: "We have 500 people on our housing list looking for a house in Dunbar but turnover across the whole county last year was less than 400 so it's clear that this development is sorely needed. I'm delighted to see work begin at Brunt Court."

(GK/BMcc)