Blindwells: New settlement prospectus
A new Blindwells Prospectus has now been published, setting out the potential benefits that the site could bring locally, regionally, nationally and to the UK as a whole. It highlights the importance of planned support and investment both now and in the years beyond the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal period. East Lothian Council, working with private sector partners, is seeking to unlock these strategic benefits through the development of a business case under the ESES Deal for Government consideration. Government and wider public and private sector support will be essential to realise the full potential of Blindwells as a well-planned, well-connected new settlement with economic opportunities as well as warm, energy efficient homes, including affordable homes, which can help to address inequality, child poverty and productivity across the region.
The Blindwells Development Area comprises the current allocated site (BW1) and a future safeguarded area (BW2), which taken together measure some 540 hectares. This new town development area is located to the north of Tranent and close to the A1 and East Coast Main Line.
Development of new homes at Blindwells is progressing, with the first homes completed for residents to move into in December 2021. The new Blindwells Primary School opened to children in August 2025. Other infrastructure is also being delivered, including a programme of transportation works, with traffic signals on the A198 in place, and works to the Bankton A1 Interchange underway. The Council has resolved to approve a detailed planning application for the local centre, with opportunities for employment and commercial development also being market tested.
Ambition and opportunities
The Blindwells Development Area features within National Planning Framework 4 (2023) as well as the Scottish Government’s Housing Emergency Action Plan (2025) prepared by Scottish Ministers. The Blindwells Development Area can be transformed into a vibrant new community and hub for the wider area, fit for the 21st century and beyond, with a development programme of 30 years or more.
We are keen to secure development of a high quality, influential, innovative, healthy and a net zero new mixed community that meets the needs and aspirations of future generations as an exemplar place to live, work and play, while helping to bring about a just transition to net zero in this former coal field area within the capital city region..
The East Lothian Local Development Plan 2018, approved by Scottish Ministers, identifies the Blindwells Development Area as a location for a new settlement with potential for a substantial number of new homes and wider essential infrastructure. This provides strategic opportunities for affordable housing, economic development, inward investment and job creation, and new infrastructure to help enable a just transition to net zero.
Find out more about the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal