Affordable housing plans for Denholm approved despite neighbours objecting

A site designated for housing at Jedward Terrace in Denholm.

Kelso building firm M and J Ballantyne has been granted approval for 12 semi-detached properties on land to the south and east of Jedward Terrace.

Four prospective neighbours of the new site registered numerous objections to it after being consulted by planning officers, voicing concerns over road safety, the potential impact on wildlife and the density of the development.

It was the potential for the two-storey properties overlooking neighbouring bungalows that proved the biggest bugbear, however.

Norma Kerr, of Jedward Terrace, wrote: “Our cottages have been here since the 1950s, overlooking some wonderful agricultural scenery, not overlooked by anyone and with no need for curtains in the back of the property.

“Now, we are likely to lose all privacy as any construction, apart from another bungalow, will look directly into my private residence.”

Will Roberts, of Wester Middles, also representing Denholm Community Council, wrote: “Some of these double-storey buildings are to be constructed directly behind and overlooking our last remaining area of secluded garden. We will, in effect, be completely encircled and totally overlooked.

“What remained of our much-valued privacy and seclusion will be completely destroyed.

“Whereas everybody has to live somewhere and new housing needs to be built, it should not be at the detriment of existing residents.”

In his report on the application, council planning officer Scott Shearer, exercising delegated powers, accepts that the new homes would have some impact on existing householders but not, he contends, to an unacceptable extent.

He writes: “The housing proposed to the western site does not block any access to light or sunlight.

“The dwellings are far enough away from their opposite neighbour to avoid causing any detrimental levels of overlooking. The proposed boundary fencing will avoid loss of privacy.

“The development will affect the southern outlook of the existing properties. However, I am satisfied that the distance between the buildings and the development occupying the lower ground level will ensure that, despite the buildings being of a two-storey scale, they will not have a significantly adverse impact on outlook.”