A FLATS of the future development is being proposed for the site of a demolished mill in Galashiels.

Borders Low Carbon Developments Limited wants to erect 19 eco-apartments on the site of the former Burns Mill on Roxburgh Street.

The engineering workshop of the Victorian textiles mill was demolished in the 1970s and the site has remained derelict ever since.

The full application also includes on-site fitness facilities, a kitchen garden, a community orchard and a picnic area.

Developers believe the heavily glass-fronted building will transform the Roxburgh Street area. A spokesman stated: “The opened up Lint Burn stream will be channelled and landscaped with stone features, and planted with ferns and shade tolerant flowering plants.

“It will define the transition from street to the privacy and security of home and the relationship of dwelling to the wider environment.

“The steep shared garden ground to the rear will be landscaped with specimen trees and shrubs.

“Residents will be encouraged to participate in its development as a community garden.”

A district heating system is proposed for the building, to provide heating for each of the apartments as well as on-site pool, as well as the latest insulation.

Developers want to establish a residents’ association to a govern long-term residencies once the apartments are completed.

The spokesman added: “The building is of robust masonry and concrete construction with a design life in excess of 200 years.

“The building structure is engineered for material efficiency, speed of construction and value for money.

“Most flats have open-plan living space, with kitchens facing onto the street, bright west facing livingroom bay windows overlooking landscaped shared garden, bedrooms with fitted wardrobes and a bank of full height wall storage.

“With the emphasis on low-maintenance and long-life materials, high quality buff brick will enhance appearance with age.”

The full planning application will be considered by Scottish Borders Council over the coming months.