A BID to build 70 new homes at a former Borders school site will be recommended for approval next week.

Howdenburn Primary School, which was built in 1970, closed in 2020 and was subsequently demolished with its pupils transferring to Jedburgh Grammar Campus at Hartrigge Park.

Now Cruden Homes has submitted a planning bid to Scottish Borders Council for a major new housing development for social rent on the 5.57-acre site in Lothian Road.

When members of Scottish Borders Council’s Planning and Building Standards Committee meet on Monday (March 25), they will be recommended to give the green light to the plans.

A report to the committee states: “The application seeks consent for a 70-no. unit affordable housing residential development. A range of semi-detached, terraced and flatted accommodation dwellings are proposed.

“The proposed development being considered is a revised scheme which has been amended during the determination period after requests to address concerns over layout, place-making, landscape, trees, accessibility, design and appearance.”