PLANS have been unveiled to demolish a boundary wall “at risk of collapse” at a listed Borders building.

Harmony House, on St Mary’s Road, Melrose, dates back to the early 19th century.

According to a report submitted to Scottish Borders Council (SBC), part of the west garden wall is leaning “significantly” and is “unstable”.

The potential risk is heightened as it shares the structure with St Mary’s School, according to papers filed with the application.

It is planned to partially demolish the central part of the wall – currently propped up with temporary timber bracing – and rebuild it, matching the original structure.

A heritage impact assessment submitted with the plans states: “The property is Category B-listed and lies in a prominent location within the Melrose Conservation Area. The property is also within the Melrose Abbey Scheduled Monument Site.

“The central 25m (approximately) of the west garden wall leans significantly to the west, is unstable and is at risk of collapse. The leaning section of wall has been temporarily propped using timber bracing.

“The potential risk of harm to persons in the event of collapse, and in particular to children, is elevated by the neighbouring St Mary’s School sharing the subject boundary garden wall.

“The affected section of wall requires careful demolition and full reconstruction upon a formal foundation.”

It adds: “There will be very little impact upon the visual appearance of the reconstructed section of garden wall which will be re-built matching the original structure and retained adjacent sections.

“The proposals do not affect any other element of the garden wall and therefore have no effect upon the historic significance of Harmony House, the neighbouring listed buildings, Melrose Abbey nor Melrose Conservation Area.”

The reconstruction is described as “essential” to stop the wall from collapsing and to ensure its long-term stability.

The eight-bedroom house, near Melrose Abbey, lies within the National Trust for Scotland-owned Harmony Garden.

The grounds regularly host the popular Borders Book Festival.