New call over garage site plan
A call has been made for supported accommodation for people with severe disabilities to be built on a controversial town centre plot in Dunbar.
SNP councillors want the ruling group to consider the idea after a plan for new council housing on the Empire and former Hughes Garage sites, known as Abbeylands, was thrown out at by the cabinet last week.
The nationalists argued that housing should take priority over car parking, which has been mooted for the land off the High Street.
Councillor Paul McLennan, SNP group leader, said supported accommodation and respite units could be constructed at the former garage.
He said: “Last week we were extremely disappointed that the Labour/Tory administration decided to vote against new housing in Dunbar and against possible new construction jobs in Dunbar.
“There is a clear requirement for supported accommodation and respite care in Dunbar.
“East Lothian Council will lose nearly £500,000 if housing doesn’t go ahead on this site. Labour and Tory support for car parking on this site is not only financially inept but morally bankrupt.
“With the development of supported accommodation on this site this would allow value for money on this site but most importantly allow supported accommodation and respite care in Dunbar.”
Labour and Conservative councillors argued last week that the proposed council development of 20 flats and four houses, progressed by the former SNP administration, was poor value for money.
They halted the plan despite the council already forking out around £331,000 in fees on the project, plus £163,000 to buy the sites from Castle Rock Edinvar Housing Association.
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Friday 24 May 2013
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