The disputed land at Whitehill Farm lies to the west and south of the Milestone Garden Centre on the southern outskirts of Newtown St Boswells.

In 2012 it was earmarked as an approved site for 600 new houses in a development framework for the expansion of Newtown to help support the business case for the Borders Railway.

Since 1974, however, the site has been within the boundary of neighbouring St Boswells.

As things stood, it would be that community council which would be consulted when the detailed housing plans were presented.

Newtown & Eildon Community Council believed this to be unfair as they would bear the brunt of the new development and asked SBC to amend the boundary accordingly.

A special review group agreed and, after a period of public consultation, recommended the transfer at this month’s meeting of SBC.

But the move was opposed by Councillor Jim Brown (SNP), whose Jedburgh & District ward includes St Boswells.

He sided with the view of St Boswells Parish Community Concil that it should retain influence over the site.

“St Boswells has no wish to see new housing stretching from Milestone to the Border Toyota garage, jeopardising the individuality of both villages,” said Mr Brown.

“St Boswells has already lost its surgery, pharmacy and banks to Newtown and does not want to be subsumed into a conglomerate township linked by a ribbon development along the A68.” His call for the status quo received no seconder, the council agreeing with Councillor Michelle Ballantyne (Con), whose Selkirkshire ward includes Newtown, that the boundary change was desirable.

“Whether we like it or not, the housing has been approved and it is Newtown which will provide the services, including education, for the new residents,” said Mrs Ballantyne.

“It’s right that Newtown should have the statutory right to have its say about issues like house design and road access. The fact it currently does not is frankly ridiculous.” The council approved the boundary adjustment and noted the dissent of Mr Brown.