Published: Tuesday, 26th January, 2010 1:03pm

Residents' views sought on former School

MEMBERS of the public have been invited to an open meeting to discuss proposals for the redevelopment of the former Eyemouth High School site.

The meeting, organised by Scottish Borders Council (SBC), will take place in the Assembly Hall of the old school building on Saturday, February 6, at 11am.

Local residents will have the opportunity to discuss a draft planning brief for the site and its associated land. Officers from SBC will present and discuss the draft proposals for the site, which is now vacant following the recent opening of the new high school last year.

The brief, which is subject to a 12 week consultation, will outline the Council's hopes for the site - i.e a good quality development designed to sit well within the existing buildings and character of the town.

The brief proposes the demolition of High School buildings and the formation of new-build housing, including affordable units towards the central part of the site, the retention of the existing primary school and community facilities, the retention and extension of existing allotments, the identification of a vehicle access point and pedestrian links and the formation of a multi purpose on-site open space area.

Executive Member for Planning and Environment, Councillor Carolyn Riddell-Carre, said: "This consultation is an important step and I would encourage as many people as possible to come along and be part of it. We are determined to ensure we get a high quality development which complements Eyemouth's distinctive character and I am sure that is something local people will want to be involved in."

Planning Officer Karen Hope said: "The Eyemouth High School site brief and public consultation seeks to encourage comments from a range of parties. As with all public consultations, we encourage members of the public to view the proposals either online or by attending the public meeting and forward their thoughts to the Council in advance of the brief being finalised and approved."

For those unable to attend the meeting, the brief can be viewed on the following webpage: http://www.scotborders.gov.uk/life/planningandbuilding/plansandresearch/28686.html

Any comments on the brief should be forwarded to: Plans and Research Section, Planning and Economic Development Department, Scottish Borders Council, Newtown St Boswells, Melrose TD6 OSA, by Wednesday, April 7.