TWEEDDALE East councillor Gavin Logan has welcomed the news that a private housebuilder has failed to alter the terms of an agreement relating to a 70-home development in Clovenfords.

Barratt Homes wanted to reduce the amount of money due to Scottish Borders Council to cover the cost of public services and infrastructure generated by the houses at Meigle Farm.

The deal was struck in 2007 when the development, now approaching completion, was given planning permission by the council.

Under the agreement, the council is demanding that a total of just of £700,000 should be handed over.

That figure comprises £269,380 for education, £120,610 for the Borders Railway, £198,720 in commuted payments to provide affordable housing elsewhere, £70,000 for the roads network and £42,000 for playpark provision.

The agreement was slightly amended last year to absolve the firm of paying £28,000 for footpaths.

But the council has stood firm on the balance, despite an attempt by Barratt to reduce this amount by £278,000.

The firm wanted to cut its obligation to education to £202,000 and to its affordable housing contribution to £99,000.

In addition, the company felt its contributions to the roads network and for playpark facilities should be deleted from the agreement.

When SBC refused to play ball, Barratt lodged an appeal with the Scottish Government’s directorate of planning and environmental appeals.

But on Tuesday and following an enquiry, Allison Coard, a Reporter appointed by Scottish ministers, concluded that the sums contained in the agreement were “appropriate” and dismissed the firm’s appeal.

Councillor Logan told us: “This decision is very important for Clovenfords and even more important for the Borders, because if the appeal had been successful it would have set an unwelcome precedent across our region.

“While I sympathise with Barratt Homes because so much has changed in the construction sector and housing market over the past seven years, developers have to face up to their obligations and accept that a deal is a deal.

“There is a large sum of money involved and, given that planning consent was granted in 2007, it is long overdue.

“This has been a long drawn out affair and our officers should be patting themselves on the back for making such a compelling case on behalf of the council.” A Scottish Borders Council spokesperson said: “The Council is pleased to note the decision of the independent reporter to dismiss the appeal by Barratt East Scotland. The decision vindicates the decision of the Council and makes it clear that it is reasonable to require developers to make financial contributions towards new and improved infrastructure and the provision of affordable housing.”