900 house plan divides Newtown

David Knox • Published 29 Jul 2009 09:00 1 Comment

PLANS to boost the central Borders population by around 3,000 have been submitted.

A bid to build 900 houses around Newtown St Boswells was tabled this week.

And the £135 million scheme has been greeted by a mixed reception.

Buccleuch Property and Elphinstone Estates have been attempting to bring the application for land around Whitehill Farm to the table for several years.

As well as seeking planning guidance they have held community workshops for villagers to have their say.

But the outline application which was lodged yesterday (Tuesday) will meet opposition.

Raymond Du Bois from the village's community council told the Border Telegraph: "The expansion plans go back to 2005 but we are sceptical about how they will contribute to the regeneration of the village.

"We would like to see the developers help with the regeneration of the village's centre but by the time they've put money towards the school and railway it is unlikely there will be any money left for the village."

A Newtown Says No campaign was formed in 2006 and collected over 600 signatures opposing the development in the space of a few weeks.

But the plans, which include new roads systems and roundabouts, are also being seen as a necessity.

Council leader David Parker said: "This is very much a welcome development to provide housing and expand Newtown St Boswells.

"The 900 houses won't go up tomorrow - this will take years if not decades."

Newtown's population is just under 1200.

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This article appeared in Border Telegraph 29 Jul 09

Have your say. Post a comment on this article.

• 

  martin
  Unregistered User
  Sep 21, 07:32
  Report comment

  I dont agree with the plan especially with the company called Elphinstone/Ken ross Obe involved, would you trust a developer who cant get 90 small flats right, never mind 900 homes and a new town
  
  Dont beleive me ??
  
  www.elphinstonehomes.com
  
  even our local Mp thinks they are no good !!!
  
  Recommend?   Yes 0     No 0

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