The public will be given a chance to review and comment on proposals for new housing at Buckholm Corner, Galashiels.
The developer, Buckholm Ltd, will be holding an online community consultation event on Thursday 4th June between 4pm and 8pm via a dedicated website – https://buckholmcorner.com
Between the hours outlined above, the project team will be available to answer any questions and receive comments, to help assist in shaping the proposals going forward.
The Buckholm Corner site, which will take access off the A7, is currently broken down into two areas – phase 1 and phase 2. This consultation event will focus on phase 2.
The proposals for phase 2 allow for up to 69 houses, providing a mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom properties.
Phase 1 already has the benefit of planning permission, dating from 1979, for 11 dwellings, none of which have been built to date. The approved house types are no longer fit for purpose, and the approval needs to be amended and is the subject of a separate planning application submitted last month to Scottish Borders Council.
Both the proposed phases of development will be 100% affordable homes which are to be owned and managed by Eildon Housing Association.
The Scottish Government has temporarily suspended the need for face-to-face public events for major applications due to COVID-19 and has provided guidance on having these online through the creation of a dedicated website which contains information on the proposals.
Members of the public will be able to provide feedback until Friday 26th June. Those without internet access can obtain copies of the consultation information through contacting: Farningham Planning Ltd, c/o Orbit Communications, 4 Queen Street, Edinburgh EH2 1JE or by telephoning: 0131 202 3259. For further information contact: hello@buckholmcorner.com
Speaking on behalf of Buckholm Ltd, Steven Garry said:
“We’re excited about putting forward our proposals to the community and look forward to its feedback which will help shape the proposed development as we move towards a planning application.
“There is a clear need for affordable housing in Galashiels and the involvement of Eildon Housing Association will help support Scottish Borders Council in meeting its defined housing targets.
“We hope as many people as possible can come online and engage with us, but for those that cannot, we have provided alternatives that will ensure that no one is excluded from this process.”
Eildon’s Chief Executive, Nile Istephan, said:
“This is a fantastic opportunity for a designated housing site which has lain vacant for a significant number of years. It will be a welcome addition to Galashiels. Affordable homes for the people in the Borders continues to be a critical need, particularly at this time, so we are really pleased that we are now at this stage in the process.
“We look forward to working with, and hearing the views, from the local community as the proposals develop and to continue to deliver inclusive growth for our region.”
-ENDS-