CAMPAIGNERS opposed to a housing development on the lower slopes of the Eildons will take their fight to the town's community council tonight.

Local housebuilding company JS Crawford wants to erect 26 detached properties on the edge of Melrose.

The Croft site, which surrounds a childcare facility, has been earmarked for housing since 2006 by the local authority.

But angry residents opposed to the proposals claim the white-rendered housing will be a blot on the famous Eildons landscape.

Nearby residents Greg Simpson and Carrie Henderson formed a protest group last month, Don't Build on the Eildons, which has led to a surge in objections being sent to Scottish Borders Council.

Greg told the Border Telegraph: "There will be people out there who will say we need more housing and we should let them get on with it, but there are already many housing sites in and around Melrose either being developed or about to be developed - this isn't needed.

"When we first learned about this application there were only four or five objections, since we've started the campaign and raised awareness there are now in the region of 60.

"The more people who find out that there could be 26 large white-rendered houses being built at the bottom of the Eildons, the more people are objecting."

The protesters have already leaflet-dropped Melrose and Newstead.

And over the coming days they will also be visiting Darnick and Gattonside to drum up more support.

Tonight several members of the protest group will address Melrose Community Council, who are one of statutory consultees when the application is considered by planners.

Mr Simpson added: "The plans haven't been discussed by the community council since March and they didn't raise any objections at the time.

"They have kindly agreed to let us come to their November meeting to discuss the plans and they have indicated that they can send a supplementary submission to Scottish Borders Council if they need to."

Rural Renaissance, which is a subsidiary of JS Crawford, held a public consultation event at The Greenyards back in January.

And following feedback, as well as further discussions with planning officials, reduced the density of the development to the current 26 detached, three- and four-bedroom properties.

A statement from Rural Renaissance said: "In line with consultation discussions the types of properties proposed for this site are a mix of bungalows, two storey houses and two/three storey split level houses.

"These house types are proposed in order to meet the anticipated housing market needs in this area.

"The housing will be built to the highest standards of construction and energy efficiency using high quality materials.

"They will provide an attractive addition to the existing housing market for good quality family housing in Melrose."

As well as visual impact, the Don't Build on the Eildons campaigners believe the development will create further traffic problems and put additional strain on the town's infrastructure.

Tonight's Melrose Community Council meeting within the Ormiston Rooms starts at 7.30pm.