Extra houses bid for Peebles estate refused by councillors

A developer’s application to shoe-horn two affordable houses into a Peebles estate – on land originally designated for a play area – has been refused by councillors.
The site in Ballantyne Place.The site in Ballantyne Place.
The site in Ballantyne Place.

Rob Begg’s proposal to build new houses in Ballantyne Place had been recommended for approval by planning officers at Scottish Borders Council.

Mr Begg wanted to build a pair of two-bedroomed terraced townhouses on the site, attached to the western gable of an existing block.

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A design statement prepared by architect Brian Currie said that two additional parking spaces would also be created “by encroaching onto existing low planting areas”.

Peebles Community Council, Peebles Civic Society and a number of residents of the estate objected to the plans.

The issues they raised included that the extra homes constituted over development of the site, pressure on parking and the loss of a potential play area.

Despite the objections, the plans were recommended for approval by the council’s planning department.

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In a report to councillors, planning officer Ranald Dods said that the proposal was acceptable, and could be “adequately accommodated” on the site.

He wrote: “The design of the development is compatible with the character of the area and would have a neutral effect on the character and appearance of the conservation area,” and added: “There would be no unacceptable adverse impacts on residential amenity.”

But members of the planning and building standards committee chose not to support that recommendation following discussions at its November meeting, held via video link, on Monday.

Speaking against the plans, Tweeddale West councillor Heather Anderson told members: “It will involve building on the one piece of open space in this street; it will remove the potential for the development of a pleasant recreational space or play area on this site as originally planned; it will increase pressure on parking and vehicular access and turning; and I also believe there are issues about land ownership which have to be resolved.”

Permission was refused by four votes to three.