A LILLIESLEAF mum has won the backing of villagers in her fight to build a home for her disabled daughter, writes Kenny Paterson.
Carole Andrew’s dreams of constructing a bungalow for 23-year-old Rachel on a plot beside her own home have so far been ruled out by Scottish Borders Council, with the site lying just metres outside the village’s Local Plan boundary.
However, that has not stopped residents showing their support, with a petition signed by 58 people and 22 letters of support reaching SBC’s Newtown headquarters.
Mrs Andrew said: “The village has been brilliant and everyone thinks the situation is ridiculous.
“It has been very emotional speaking to people and hearing their support. All we want is a bit of common sense.”
Carole submitted the bungalow plans in January for Borders College student Rachel, who has epilepsy and additional needs, after her daughter suffered a fit and fell down a flight of stairs in their current home.
But SBC told Mrs Andrew that developments outwith a Local Plan can only be supported when it can be proved it would either generate jobs, create affordable housing, if there is a shortfall of available housing land, or if the application provides significant community benefits.
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