MELROSE and District Community Council is looking for extra time to review plans to renovate the Greenyards.

As we reported earlier this month, the town’s rugby club is looking to upgrade its historic ground by installing a new 3G pitch and state-of-the-art floodlighting.

And officials are also hoping to replace the current facilities with a new 1000-capacity stand, café, gymnasium, shop and reception, once the first phase is complete.

But concerns were raised over the plans at last week’s community council meeting, after member Graham Barker revealed a total of 192 lights would be erected at the stadium.

Vice-chair Val Miller stated she was worried that the proposals would be breaking with tradition and detract from the surroundings.

She told the meeting: “The plans show there will be 48 lights in each corner of the ground and I think that 48 might be too much for a built-up area.

“I think they might end up spoiling a precious thing we have got here. I think what we have got here in Melrose is unique.

“I understand that changes are not in keeping with older, traditional scenery and I think the reason they are looking to change it is because they want to host bigger matches.”

Fellow community councillor Robin Chisholm said: “What they are saying is what they currently have is no longer fit for purpose and that is the reason for the changes.”

The planning application shows the new lights will consist of four 20-metre high pillars and will be strong enough to cater for television coverage.

In regards to the proposed changes, a spokesperson said the layout will retain “the majority of the spectating and viewing areas around the pitch which are required for the Melrose 7s.”

The metal fencing surrounding the playing surface is also set to be replaced as part of the facelift.

Grahame Barker, who read the plans at the meeting, suggested the community council ask for an extension to review the application fully.

Chairman William Windram said: “We shall circulate the plans so everyone can have a look at the proposals, as there is only six of us here tonight.”