CAMPAIGNERS in Melrose believe the Eildons are about to be ruined with more land on the lower slopes being proposed for housing.

There was anger in the summer when developers were given the green light to build 28 houses beneath the iconic hills.

Among many of the 130 objections raised against the original application was the precedent being set for future development.

Many of those objectors now believe their biggest fears are becoming a reality with news that surrounding land - measuring more than three football pitches - is in line to also be zoned for housing.

Greg Simpson, from the campaign group Don't Build on the Eildons, has written to local councillors asking them to take a stance.

He said: "This is a matter of grave concern for residents, and proof that their fears were not unfounded.

"We were correct in our objection.

"We weren't scaremongering.

"It wasn't conspiracy to be dismissed.

"Indeed it is the proven avowed intent of the developer.

"Local residents are furious that their fears, so readily dismissed, are coming to pass before the ink is even dry on the decision to approve development at the Croft."

The original Croft site had been zoned for up to 50 houses in the Scottish Borders Local Plan.

But following a strong campaign against building on the site, developers Rural Renaissance reduced the number of properties to 28 to obtain the relevant local authority permission.

The fresh submission for inclusion of the surrounding 3.2 hectares, known as Dingleton Mains, in the next Local Plan has won favour with authors of the influential Main Issues Report.

It stated: "The Dingleton Mains site forms an appropriate extension of this site, known as The Croft which was formerly allocated for 50 units, and offers the opportunity to meet the council's original aspiration for 50 new homes in the area.

"This site can be considered to be a logical extension to the settlement boundary of Melrose."

As developers Rural Renaissance, who are the contracting arm of JS Crawford, don't own the Dingleton Mains site they have declined to comment on the bid for inclusion.

Scottish Borders Council is currently preparing the new Local Development Plan before it is presented to elected members.

The LDP report will be tabled early in 2020 with a 12-week public consultation to follow.

But campaigners in Melrose are already digging out the placards.

Mr Simpson added: "This is a pressing matter that needs to be stamped on quickly, firmly and without hesitation.

"This is a matter of urgency because it materially effects the viability of the Croft site, not just from a financial point of view for the developer, but for the marketing of planned plots, and for the mitigations being put in place to protect local residents, ecology and landscape.

"Assurances about tree buffers, site lines and boundaries will come to nought if adjacent land is developed further up the Eildons."

Work on the Croft site hasn't yet been allowed to start due to a legal agreement regarding developer contributions and affordable housing not yet being agreed.