North Berwick Trust Ltd is inviting local residents to help shape proposals for a new development at Pilgrims Way, North Berwick, designed to support people who live and work locally and create long-term value for the town.
The proposals for land at the gap site between 16 and 18 Pilgrims Way have been developed following extensive consideration of how the site can best serve the community.
The design comprises 2,500 sq ft of retail space and 600 sq ft of community space alongside 40 one and two bedroom rental flats, designed primarily to support key workers living locally. There would also be 53 car parking spaces, including 13 associated with the retail and community facilities.
The land forms part of the wider Mains Farm mixed-use development, which was allocated through East Lothian Council’s previous Local Plan and retained in the 2018 Local Development Plan. The plan identified Mains Farm for a mixed-use development including 420 homes, a local centre, community uses, employment land, infrastructure and associated works.
The Trust is now exploring how its part of this established development opportunity can provide additional community benefit. The project is being developed in partnership with Lar Housing Trust, which already has a considerable presence in East Lothian with eight high quality and established developments across the county.
Lar, a housing charity, was set up in 2015 to provide homes at mid-market rent levels in villages, towns and cities across Scotland. These homes allow people to live affordably in their own communities, offering security, stability and a chance to plan for the future.
By bringing two charities together to work towards a shared, community-focused objective, we aim to establish a new way of delivering much-needed rental homes for North Berwick.
The work has been led by the Trust’s Estates Group, drawing on its professional expertise in property and development, with support and oversight from the Board of Trustees. The Board has provided guidance and governance throughout, with members contributing on a voluntary basis. They have given their time and expertise to help develop proposals that make responsible and effective use of the Trust’s assets.
Meeting a local housing need
The Trust believes the project can make an important contribution to addressing the need for good quality housing that is accessible to people on low incomes.
The mid-market rental homes would provide an additional option for households who may find it difficult to access either social housing or the wider private rental market, with a particular focus on helping key workers and others who contribute to the life of North Berwick to live locally.
North Berwick Trust Estates Group Co-Chair David Petrie said:
“This is an important project for North Berwick Trust and one that we believe can make a significant contribution to the town.
“We believe it is addressing a critical housing need by creating good-quality mid-market rental homes designed primarily to support key workers and others who need to live locally. Alongside the homes, the proposals provide retail and community space that can serve the wider area.
“Our Trustees give their time voluntarily, and members of our Estates Group bring their professional experience in property and development to the project. They are contributing that expertise because they want to help make the best possible use of the Trust’s assets for the benefit of the community.
“Working with Lar also gives us the opportunity to bring together the expertise and resources of two charities with a shared commitment to North Berwick.
“We have listened to feedback from our Estates Group and local community members in developing the proposals, and we now want to hear from a wider range of people as the plans progress.”
A wider commitment to North Berwick
The Pilgrims Way proposals form part of North Berwick Trust’s wider commitment to using its land and resources for the benefit of the town and to stay true to its vision: ‘Helping to make North Berwick a great place to be – more sustainable, resilient, vibrant, inclusive and equitable’.
Established in 1974 to safeguard the Mains Farm land assets of North Berwick Town Council before its dissolution, the Trust is now also a well-established and significant charitable grant-maker in the town.
Since its first grant programme was established in 2018, the Trust has awarded more than £4.4 million to support local organisations, projects and individuals in need.
The Pilgrims Way project reflects these same guiding principles by using the Trust’s assets to create lasting benefits for the community.
Have your say
A drop-in public consultation will take place on 22 October 2026, 1.00 – 8.00 pm at North Berwick Sports Centre, giving local residents, businesses and community organisations the opportunity to view the proposals, speak with the project team and provide feedback.
The current programme anticipates a planning application being submitted in November 2026, subject to the outcome of the consultation and further development of the proposals.
The Trust is encouraging local people to come along, find out more and share their views.
Please share your comments by email to [email protected]
Alternatively, you may open, update and send back the feedback form (to the same email address) using the button below.
