Homes plan for Queen Victoria's old haunt

THE owner of a historic country estate in East Lothian visited by Queen Victoria in 1878 has revealed plans to develop 25 upmarket holiday homes within its grounds.

Chester-based developer Simon Flame, who purchased the Broxmouth Estate near Dunbar for £2 million in 2003, says he hopes the project will create jobs and generate an extra £1m for the business every year. A planning application has been lodged with East Lothian Council.

Mr Flame said: "Jobs will be created and we will be fulfilling need, a gap in the market, and giving more people the chance to explore the scenery and beauty of East Lothian.

"We want to attract mansion flat owners from Edinburgh or even London to Dunbar."

The proposed three-bedroom holiday retreats would be located half-a-mile from Broxmouth House.

Adam Sneddon, the secretary of Dunbar Community Council, said: "In principle, speaking for myself and not the community council, I do not have any objection. It will be quite a good thing and will bring people and money into the town

"But I would be more prepared to comment after I have thoroughly reviewed the application."