New industrial life approved for former Bongate Mill site in Jedburgh

Gilbert Developments, based in the town’s Galahill, has won approval for two steel-framed, single-storey buildings on the vacant 0.4-acre plot, south of Malestroit Court and alongside the River Jed.

The application was opposed by a handful of householders living in Malestroit Court.

They objected to the scale of the structures, the loss of views and potential noise from the units.

The applicant later slightly reduced the scale of the project from 11 to 10 units within the two buildings.

A spokesperson for Berwick architect’s Hodgson and White, acting as agent for Gilbert Developments boss David Palmer, said: “Our client want to develop the now-cleared industrial site where formerly the old Bongate Mill was located prior to its demolition a few years ago.

“The scheme is for the erection of two industrial buildings housing a total of 10 units with varying floor areas to attract businesses with different requirements.

“The applicant has carried out research for the need of this type of building within the town and surrounding area, and there was enough immediate interest before approval was sought or any marketing instructed or carried out.”

Planning applications had been submitted in the past for housing developments at the riverside site but they had not come to anything.