Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Kris Gourlay

Plans to transform East Lothian Second World War toilet block into a family home

An abandoned former East Lothian toilet block used by the RAF in World War II could become a huge family home with a terrace.

Plans submitted to transform the historic out-building into a modern home near the former Drem Airfield have been submitted to East Lothian Council.

As Urban Realm reports, the property could reconnect the former airfield to the rural settlement of Fenton Newmains Cottages. The airfield was a former RAF station initially built in 1917 and remained in use until 1947.

READ MORE: We spoke to Edinburgh residents living in the neighbourhood voted 'best in city'

Following the outbreak of the Second World War, RAF Drem became an air defence fighter unit for Edinburgh and the shipping area around the Firth of Forth, with Supermarine Spitfire of 602 Squadron posted to Drem.

The abandoned toilet block in question is thought to have been used by the women's auxiliary sir force in World War II.

In a planning statement, the architects noted: "We propose to create a sustainable, high-quality, distinctive and contemporary family home which draws character and inspiration from the adjacent steadings, cottages and landscape in the settlement of Fenton Newmains.

"The proposals have been designed to be sensitive to, and respectful of, the neighbouring context and improve the reading of the place through the careful development of this abandoned corner plot."

Another extract from the design and access statement adds: "Although the exact history of when this building was constructed is not known, we understand that this building was the female toilet block used by the WAF during WWII as they were not allowed to use the rest of the airfield accommodation and facilities reserved for the men and the building and site retains existing drainage and services to it.

"While still in use the existing building is in poor repair and of little value to the site or its surrounds."

The majority of the units based at Drem during World War II were fighter or night-fighter squadrons. Despite Luftwaffe activity in these areas being relatively limited for most of the war, they still had to be defended.

READ NEXT:

Edinburgh mum 'upset' after finding car smashed up outside Marks and Spencer

Edinburgh locals spot smoke billowing from underground fire outside Pizza Hut

34-year-old Edinburgh man arrested as two 60-year-olds hospitalised

East Lothian woman left unable to speak by severe endometriosis pain

Brazen thieves caught out after leaving stolen Rolls-Royce in Edinburgh parking space

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.