Community councils are the most local tier of statutory representation in Scotland. They bridge the gap between local authorities and communities, and help to make public bodies aware of the opinions and needs of the communities they represent.
Haddington and District Community Council (HDCC) are a Volunteer organisation setup in accordance with the Local Government act 1994. HDCC represents the Community and as such will represent the views of the community to the official bodies of the County. There is no party political bias and the HCC strives to eliminate any discrimination and promote equality and relations between all community and groups.
All members of the HDCC live or work within the boundary and along with the office bearers are voted onto the HDCC by ballot which has been agreed and officiated by East Lothian Council.
HDCC has member spaces for 14 from the Haddington area (14/1) and 2 from Athelstaneford Area (14/2).
Main Activities of the Haddington and District Community Council
- Public Meetings every second Tuesday of the month*
- Events Group Meetings Every third Tuesday of the Month (currently suspended)
- Consultation on planning (find out more here)
- Liaise with Local Groups and coordinate on Local issues
- Haddington Children’s Fun Day in June
- Christmas In Haddington End November
- Haddington Art Exhibition In August
- Haddington Panto In December
- Santa’s Sleigh Ride around town in December (now run by Haddington Rotary)
- Armistice Day Parade and Service November
- Haddington Town Centre Christmas Lights December
- Resiliency Activities such as Tablets for Community, Food and clothing grants
- Provide Funding to local causes, groups and activities.
We also have our HDCC Constitution that states our purpose and guidance on how we carry out the running of the community council as well as the Code of conduct all counsellors must abide by.
As well as representing the community to the local authority, Haddington and District Community Council supports and works with local Groups such as
- Haddington in Bloom
- Haddington Community Business Partnership
- Made in East Lothian
- Wee Red Upcycling
- Haddington Pipe Band
- Haddington Fireworks
- Haddington Promotions Group
- Our Community Kitchen
- Haddington Rotary
- Haddington Central Tenants and residents Association
- Haddington East Tenants and residents Association
We also interact and help local residents through various schemes such as our Food and Clothing Grants, Resilient Communities work and of course providing grants to various projects and individuals around the area.
Find out more about what a community Council is on the community councils website
Haddington and District Community Council holds monthly public meetings to discuss matters affecting the local community and to determine the way forward, reflecting the views of the community. They are held on the second Tuesday of every month, starting at 7 pm lasting approximately 2 hours. There is usually a summer recess during July and August where no meetings are held.
These meetings are attended by elected Community Councillors, one or more of the four District Councillors representing our Wards, as well as Knox Academy and the Police. Members of the local community groups are invited to attend and to present and update or make their views known on any matter concerning the community.
Our Meetings are open to the public to attend and observe. Members of the public may forward any comments or representations in at least five (5) days in advance of the meeting to the Secretary. If discussed and a response is required this will be given verbally or in writing up to fourteen (14) days after that meeting.
Members of the public are asked to always conduct themselves in a respectful manner when communicating with members of the community council.
Haddington and District community council have a statutory right to be consulted on applications for planning permission and the community council has a special role, representing a broader yet still local view which can be set alongside the comments of those with more individual interest. HDCC is one of many bodies involved in the planning process and do not have final say on any planning applications being approved.
Haddington and District community council have appointed two people to liaise on planning matters, one person as the primary point of contact for the planning authority on all planning matters, and another person to provide cover and assist where needed.
Our appointed planning liaisons check the Planning applications from the East Lothian council every month before each meeting and submit any major planning applications for discussion at those meetings.
As part of their commitment to the effective and efficient operation of the consultation arrangements, East Lothian Council occasionally provides training sessions for community councillors. This helps us to make informed comments and gain a better understanding of how the planning system works. We also have the option to co-opt planning specialists or external help when looking at complex planning applications.
There are 2 main methods of consultation,
First is the Pre-Application Consultation (PAC) this is for communities to be better informed about major and national development proposals and to have an opportunity to contribute their views before a formal
planning application is submitted to the planning authority. This helps to: improve the quality of planning applications; mitigate negative impacts where possible; address misunderstandings, and to air and to address where practicable any community issues.
Secondly is studying the Planning applications (also known as the Weekly Lists) which allows us to view particular applications in detail. we then have the right to request formal consultation within 7 working days of the issuing date of the weekly list.
Haddington and District Community council will not expect to be consulted on minor applications or when there are changes made to applications either while they are being considered or after they have been approved. These ‘non-material’ amendments and variations carry no statutory provision for consultation. But where an application is to be amended in any material or substantial way, it will normally be submitted afresh and a new opportunity for consultation will arise.
After the PAC, and once a planning application has been submitted to East Lothian Council, HDCC will ensure that any representations we wish to make on the proposal are submitted to ELC as part of the process of considering the planning application. Under planning legislation, there are certain timescales within which a planning authority cannot make a decision on a planning application. These are either 14 or 21 days from the date of notification or advertisement, depending on the particular circumstances of the proposal. If there is a consultation laid on by the Local Authority HDCC will advertise this on Social media and other outlets although this is rare.
Haddington and District Community Council meet monthly and have a dedicated agenda item to discuss any Licencing and Planning applications of note. We will take into account any community, personal or group representations made to us on a particular application bearing in mind the Material and Non-material conditions. If a planning application is made and to be decided between these monthly meetings HDCC members will discuss and make any comments necessary. We will of course mention this and the outcome of the discussions at the next meeting do it is minuted and documented.
- Material Conditions such as appearance, increased traffic, parking and access problems, change of use, Residential amenity (noise, overshadowing, overlooking, developing too much garden space)
the effect on Listed Buildings and the Town Conservation Area. - Non_Material Conditions such as loss of a private view over someone else’s property, Loss of the value of your property, competition amongst shopkeepers, construction disruption are often considered but these shouldn’t influence the Local Authorities decision on the application.
It is important that we as a community council only consider bringing forward representations that are based on material planning considerations only.
Haddington and District Community Council will always seek the local views on any planning matters, whether this is verbally or written. Our community councillors are all approachable for comment and you can always contact us with your views on each planning matter. We will consider these views as part of our formal representations to the East Lothian Council planning authority.
An individual representation to the Haddington and District community council is not a formal representation to the East Lothian Council Planning department. we also cannot accept or present any petitions on planning applications.
We highly encourage anyone to lodge
any comments directly with East Lothian Council as well as your personal view may differ from the publicly agreed views reached by the Community Council and it is important that the planning authority get all views on each application.
East Lothian Council will not consider verbal comments on applications, so if you want to make representations on an application, you must do it in writing. The usual ways of making representations are by letter, petition, email or on their website East Lothian Council Planning Site.
You should note that any comments you make will not be kept confidential: anyone will be able to see your letter of representation. Anonymous letters of representation will not be considered. Petitions although useful in making the authority aware of the community sentiment may be regarded as a single objection by planning officials regardless of the number of signatures gathered.
There are various ways you can get help in understanding the planning process and making your views known about an application. For general advice on the planning process, you should contact East Lothian Council.
Free advice on planning matters, you might also wish to consider contacting Planning Aid for Scotland (0131 220 9730). This organisation is staffed by planners but is independent of your council. Planning Aid has a website, at www.planning-aid-scotland.org.uk
Haddington Events Group (HEG) is a non-profit subcommittee of the Haddington and District Community Council and its remit is to create and run community-based events for the public.
It is made up of volunteers who give up their free time to help organise, produce and take part in many of the events throughout the year such as Craft Fayres, Tabletop Sales, Christmas in Haddington, and the Haddington Festival.
The members of HEG are also involved with the Haddington Fireworks, Christmas Light Display, and Blooming Haddington
Tickets and donations can be made via our ticket store Haddington Events Group (sumupstore.com)
IF YOU ARE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER CALL 999
For information on the current CORONAVIRUS (Covid-19) in Haddington please use our dedicated page
Please check our Facebook page for all up to-date posts on whats happening and information in the Area. https://www.facebook.com/groups/HaddingtonCommunityCouncil/
Emergency Services & Numbers
- POLICE, FIRE and Ambulance IF AN EMERGENCY ALWAYS DIAL 999
- The police non-emergency number – 101
- NHS 24 – 111
- Haddington Police – 39 Court Street, Haddington EH41 3AE 01620 824101 (NON EMERGENCY ONLY)
- Health & Social Care Partnership (H&SCP) and Property Maintenance 24/7 Contact Centre 01875 612 818
- SEPA flood line – 0345 988 1188
Utilities
- Electricity Power cut – 105 or 0800 092 9290
- Gas Smell gas? – 0800 111 999
- Scottish Water – Tel. 0845 601 8855
Local Medical Help
- Tyne Medical Practice –
Tel: 01620 823 183
https://tynemedicalpractice.co.uk/ - Orchard Medical Practice
Tel: 01620 825497
http://www.orchardmedprac.scot.nhs.uk/ - Lammermuir Medical Practice
Tel: 01620 825051
https://www.lammermuirmedicalpractice.scot.nhs.uk/ - East Lothian Community Hospital
0131 536 8300
https://www.nhslothian.scot/GoingToHospital/Locations/ELCH/Pages/default.aspx
Pharmacies
- Market Street Pharmacy 22 Market Street, Haddington EH41 3JE 01620 823557 romanespharmacy.co.uk
- Right Medicine 20 High Street, Haddington EH41 3ES 01620 822361 rightmedicinepharmacy.co.uk
- BOOTS 35-36 High St, Haddington EH41 3EE, 01620 823349 boots.com
Defibrillator Locations
- Royal Bank of Scotland, Court Street, opposite the Cash machine in their foyer. (If you get mixed up with the Bank of Scotland, it’s the one closest to the Town Centre). 24 hours
- Peartree Nursery in Meadowpark 24 hours
- Haddington Bowling Club car park Wemyss Place, Haddington EH41 4DL 24 hours
- Haddington Fire Station 24 hours
- Haddington Community Hospital 24 Hours
- Newton Port Health Centre Opening Hours only
- Newton Port Clinic Opening Hours only
- Tesco Superstore Newton port 7am-10pm opening hours only
- Haddington Town House Opening Hours only
- Knox Academy – 1st right after Main Door, then 1st right into corridor. Opening Hours only
- Haddington Athletic 3G Sports pitch, Whittinghame Drive Opening Hours only
- Haddington Rugby Club – Neilson Park Opening Hours only
- Read & Watters dentist, lane up to TESCO off Market Street. Opening Hours only
- Family Dental Practice, 78 Market Street Opening Hours only
- East Lothian Council offices John Muir House in the main reception Opening Hours only
- Bridge Centre Opening Hours only
- Aubigny Sport Centre, Mill Wynd Opening Hours only
- Haddington Golf Club Opening Hours only
- Athelstaneford Village Hall Opening Hours only
Download the CROWDSAV App for a map of all defibrillators around the country in your pocket
Dentists
- Sidegate Dental Practice 7 Sidegate, Haddington EH41 4BT – 01620 824 033
- Family Dental Practice 78 Market Street, Haddington EH41 3JJ – 01620 822 537
- Read & Watters Dental 48 Market Street, Haddington EH41 3JE – 01620 823 395
- The Dental Lounge 40 Court Street, Haddington , EH41 3NP – 01620 825 505
Local Schools
- Knox Academy (01620 823387)
- Haddington Primary School (Lower campus 01620 823 271, Upper Campus 01620 822177)
- St Mary’s RC Primary School (01620 823298)
- Athelstaneford Primary (01620 880 241)
Local Health
- East Lothian Counselling Coaching & Hypnotherapy 01875 812280
- Arthritis Care Scotland provide local support and information for people with arthritis, their families and carers. 0141 954 7776
- Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland – 0131 225 6963 or 0808 801 0899
- Stroke Association scotland@stroke.org.uk Phone: 0131 555 7240
- East Lothian Cardio-Pulmonary Rehabilitation Group 0787 253 8799
- Capability Scotland capability-scotland.org.uk or call 0131 337 9876
- MS Therapy Centre Lothian 0131 554 5384
Local Churches
- St Marys Parish Church Alison.McDonald@churchofscotland.org.uk 01620 823109/07734 760309
- West Parish Church 01620 822213
- Holy Trinity Episcopal Church 01620 826667
- ST Mary RC Church 01620 822138
- Athelstaneford Church 01620 880536
- Haddington Community Church 07545 316699
Local Support & Advice Lines
- ELC Health & Social Care Partnership (H&SCP) and Property Maintenance 24/7 Contact Centre 01620 827827
- East Lothian Council Social work Contact Centre on 01875 824 309 or 0800 731 6969
- Scottish Welfare fund – 01620 828790
- Haddington Community Council resiliency advice number 07592 003 386 (10am-4pm)
- Haddington Citizens advice Bureau 01620 824 471 10-4 weekdays
- Royal Voluntary Service local number 01875 811 011
- East Lothian Community Care Forum 01620 822 212
- Carers of East Lothian 0131 665 0135,
- Crossreach Counselling Lothians 0131 552 8901
- East Space https://eastspace.org.uk/
National Support & Advice Lines
- Parentline 0800 028 22 33
- Childline 0800 1111 free
- Age Scotland 0800 12 44 222 (mon fri 9-5)
- Cool 2 Talk https://cool2talk.org/
- Samaritans – 0131 221 9999 or 116 123free
- Breathing space – 0800 83 85 87
- Saneline – 0300 304 7000
- Changes – 0131 653 397
- Mind Infoline – 0300 123 3393
- Arthritis Care Scotland – 0141 954 7776
- Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland – 0131 225 6963 or 0808 801 0899
- Capability Scotland 0131 337 9876 or 01620 825 937
- Royal Voluntary Service – 0330 555 0315
- We are With You –
- Scotland Drinkline on 0300 123 1110
Mental Health support
- ELHSCP’s CWIC Mental Health Support line on 01620 642 963 Monday to Friday 09.00 to 16.00
- Samaritans – 116 123 24×7
- Breathing space – 0800 83 85 87
- 1st response – 07966 526 452
- Crosseach – 01875 814 833
- Changes 0131 653 3977
- Know the score – 0333 230 9468
- Campaign to end loneliness https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/
Local Groups where you can offer help or request assistance
- Churches
- St Marys Parish 01620 823109
- St Marys RC – 01620 822138
- Holy Trinity Church – 01620 826667
- Holy Trinity is open every day for anyone wanting to spend a few moments of quiet or reflection during the day.
- West Church 01620 822213
- Haddington Community Church – ali@haddingtoncommunitychurch.org 07545316699
- Athelstaneford Church – 01620 880536
- Haddington Community Council – https://www.facebook.com/groups/HaddingtonCommunityCouncil/ 07592 003 386
- Royal Voluntary Service – 0330 555 0315 or 01875 811011. We have volunteers throughout East Lothian doing shopping for vulnerable, older people.
- Carers of East Lothian have a carer support worker available Monday to Friday 10 am to 4 pm, who can be reached on 0131 665 1035 or via centre@coel.org.uk
- Volunteer Centre | East Lothian (volunteereastlothian.org.uk)
- Volunteering | Volunteering | East Lothian Council
- Active East Lothian | Volunteer Opportunities
Business Support
- HMRC helpline 0800 0159 559 https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs
- www.findbusinessSupport.gov.scot – 0300 303 0660 mon fri 8:30-5:30
- ELC business gateway https://www.bgateway.com/local-offices/east-lothian/local-support 01620 807 608
- Uk Government Business pages https://www.gov.uk/browse/business
Haddington Community Council Resiliency Plan
Click here to view the document Haddington and District CC resilience plan V1.6
Haddington and District Community Council and other organisation have a number of ways for the community to access funding and help.
Haddington & District Community Council Grants and Funding
Haddington & District Community Council has funds to assign to Local Groups, Individuals, or Activities that can show it will benefit the community.
Haddington Community Council has a limited budget which is allocated throughout the year to fund our varied activities. Since our budget is finite, some or all our funding requests will not be successful. This policy gives us a set of criteria to be used when determining which ones are to be successful.
If successful, we then need guidelines on the amount we can offer. A simply fixed amount limit is not appropriate as it’s too simplistic when applying this to the varied sizes and needs of the groups who make requests i.e. a club needing to buy books for £50 can’t be compared against a club who perhaps need £1,500 to fix a club roof.
To this end, we will offer 2-tiered funding options –
- A 100% funding option if the value is up to £250 – assuming all other criterion has been met. This payment can be made immediately.
- If over £250 we apply a “50%” matched funding rules up to a maximum payment value of £1,500 – assuming we have this money available, and all other criterion checks have been met.
There will be no phasing-in of the fixed £250 limit. If a request is for £260 or £1,500, they will have to match fund 50% i.e. £130 or £750 for the examples given. This will hopefully encourage genuine request amounts being sought.
Owing to the matched funding condition, payment of any monies will be made when the fund matching has been proven. Details of this method are detailed later in the form below
To access the Local Funding request form please click HDCC Funding Application Form
Food & Clothing Grants
Haddington & District Community Council has been successful in securing funding to support local families who are experiencing difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We have set up the HCC Food Voucher and Clothing Grant scheme for local Families.
Referrals to these grants should be made by either a professional or agency working with an individual or family who are experiencing financial difficulties and need a helping hand to purchase food shopping and or clothing.
The person making the referral should specify how much they think the individual/family needs to assist them at this time.
The cash grant cannot be used to purchase alcohol or tobacco, all receipts must be returned to the person who has made the referral.
The H&DCC will then review the application, decide how much is to be awarded as a grant, and arrange for the person making the referral to be given the cash grant. These grants are open to everyone in the Haddington and Lammermuir ward and will be awarded as long as we have the funds. If anyone requires any further information please contact us
Referral Form can be downloaded from HERE
Lammermuir Larder
The Lammermuir Larder, based in Haddington is a new food initiative run by volunteer members of the community, for people who find themselves in need of emergency food and support.
This service operates by a referral process, either from a professional who is familiar with the individual or family, or from the individual/ family themselves. At all times referrals are kept strictly confidential. Once the referral has been received, a “larder list” will be sent out detailing products that are available. Once the completed list has been returned, the larder box or bags will be delivered to the person in needs door. Referral forms can be obtained online below, by private messaging us on face book or by emailing team@lammermuirlarder.co.uk. Further information can also be obtained by ringing 07483 911391.
LAMMERMUIR LARDER Referral Form
Local Authority Funding
East Lothian Council provide many different types of funding for various groups and activities within the county. Pease visit their website to find out more.
Funding for community organisations
National Funding
Funding Scotland – Funding Scotland is a service provided by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations to provide access to up to date, high-quality information on funding opportunities that is vital to third sector organisations in Scotland.
Big Lottery Fund – Grants from £300 to £500,000 for projects in a variety of areas are available from the Big Lottery Fund.
BBC Children in Need – BBC Children in Need award grants for projects working with disadvantaged children and young people, aged 18 and under
Alec Dickson Trust – The Alec Dickson Trust have awards of up to £500 for people under 30 towards local community projects.
Comic Relief – Comic Relief provide grants for UK or international projects.
Commercial Grants and Funding
Various companies and organisations have their own funds to help the community, below is a list of companies within our area that have funds groups can apply to.
Tesco Bags of Help – Bags of Help is Tesco’s local community grant scheme, which funds thousands of community projects every year.
Greggs Foundation – Greggs Foundation is a grant-making charity which aims to build stronger, healthier communities in the areas where Greggs’ operates.
The Co-operative – Community groups and co-operatives can apply for support from The Co-operative.
Do you know a Haddington Hero? We’re asking you, the Haddington community to nominate your unsung community hero who went above and beyond helping others during the last two years.
Haddington Heroes 2023
To commemorate the 125th anniversary of the planting of the Sequoidendran Giganteum (Wellingtonia) at Memorial Park, Haddington, Our Community Kitchen and Haddington District Community Council invited local school children to create some art to be distributed to care homes, day centres and independent living complexes in the local area to spread some colour and cheer.
The whole collection of cards, created by local school children from the schools here, are all on display at the Haddington Library and the Star Room of the John Grey Centre. So why not make a visit and see the whole collection this month?
Our Community Kitchen is a registered charity set up to reduce isolation for people of all ages and abilities by bringing people together around a table to enjoy wholesome, home-cooked, nutritious food allowing friendships to form. We also grow our own food in our community garden.
We have a wonderful staff and volunteer team made up of local people who operate with patience, empathy and dependability.
If you would like to find out more, please get in touch as we would love to hear from you.
Please call Alison on 07500148278
or email hello@ourcommunitykitchen.org.uk
Facebook @ourcommunitykitcheneastlothian
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Links to Local Sites and Services
If you wish to be included on here please contct us
Lammermuir Larder
Wifi In East Lothian
John Gray Centre
Friends Of the River Tyne
Shop Haddington
East Lothian Council
Haddington The Hidden Toun
Our Community Kitchen
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