PLANS for a potential new supermarket in a Tweeddale village have been shown at a community council meeting.

Under a proposed scheme for the West Linton site, known as Mrs Jackson’s field, in Station Road, a Co-op supermarket in a four-metre-high building would be constructed, with the possibility of 10 homes also being built behind the store.

It was proposed that the existing building could be converted into two commercial units, often in demand in the village.

Architect Gavin Jeffcoate outlined his plans at West Linton Community Council (WLCC) on Monday evening, with the aid of A1 drawings. He said the concept was in its pre-planning stage.

Mr Jeffcoate said a dialogue had opened with neighbours whose properties bound the site – including Tweeddale West councillor Drummond Begg – either on the other side of Station Road or in Howieson Place.

It is well known in the village that there are issues with Co-op’s current location in the High Street and there are regular complaints about delivery lorries made to WLCC.

Access is also a problem, with wheelchairs and pushchairs excluded from the existing store.

Mr Jeffcoate said: “The site is classified as brownfield as it has old chicken sheds and on the local development plan as a development opportunity.

“Co-op in the village has about 60 per cent of its stock lines available but in the enlarged store would have 100 per cent and customers might be put off driving to Peebles or Biggar to do larger shops.”

WLCC member Angela Holliday said: “You are going to increase the number of goods available but it will also increase the traffic in Station Road.”

There are three large mature trees on the boundary with an extensive root protection area. It is proposed to fell one tree to open up a second access route.

Mr Jeffcoate said one aim was to employ as many local firms in the potential project as possible.

Mr Jeffcoate said that with the possibility of parking it might be possible to get a store delivery van.

He also proposed holding an open meeting in West Linton Village Centre to “engage with the community” over a possible supermarket.

A spokesperson from Co-op’s head office said: “No decisions have been taken with regards to the possible relocation of its West Linton store.

“Co-op is always looking for suitable new locations where it can operate at the heart of local life and better serve and support communities.”