Fresh calls have been made for a new GP surgery and health facilities in an East Lothian community where thousands of new homes are being built.
East Lothian Council's planning committee today (Tuesday) granted planning permission for 87 houses to the south east of Wallyford in the latest part of a huge 200 home plus development on the edge of the village.
But councillors expressed disappointment that calls made last year for primary care facilities in the village have not been acted on.
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At a virtual meeting of the committee Councillor Colin McGinn, ward member for Tranent/Wallyford/Macmerry said that while he welcomed advances that had been made with retail and 'day to day aspects" of the larger development, health care had to be a priority.
He said: "We had cross party support last year when we presented a motion to council to call on the government to work with parties to look at the provision of health facilities and primary health care in the area.
"I am disappointed we are not yet in a position where the government are supporting our cross party call for primary care facilities in Wallyford and I would urge Scottish Ministers to hear what our community council and residents are saying.
"We need primary care facilities and we cannot be ignored any longer."
Councillor Andy Forrest, ward member for neighbouring Musselburgh ward added: "I would like to see medical facilities put in, it is badly needed and would take the pressure off the sites in Musselburgh that are looking after people from Wallyford."
He also called for more retail to be opened on the site so people no longer need to travel into Musselburgh for shopping.
He said: "I think the opportunity is there with this site to put in supermarkets and everything else."
Musselburgh councillor Shona McIntosh backed elected members call for more action saying: "We definitely need more health care and access to GPs in the area."
The planning application by Dandara was for 87 houses on land in the south east of the development.
A planning officer's report said: "The proposed residential development would form an extension to, and would be a natural extension of the south-eastern edge of Wallyford."
Approving the planning application planning convenor Norman Hampshire said the healthcare facility was the only "missing piece in the jigsaw" of the overall development.
He said: "We have grown in population immensely in the west of East Lothian and the primary care in Musselburgh is really under pressure so for Wallyford to have something would be such a benefit.
"I think the overall masterplan developer does have a space in the retail area for a primary care facility, we just need the government and the health board to say that is what they want to put there and take some of the pressure off Riverside (Medical Practice, Musselburgh)."
It was unanimously approved.
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