Plans go in for more than 100 new homes in Galashiels

A planning application has been put in by Hawick-based Waverley Housing for consent to demolish existing flats in Beech Avenue and Laurel Grove and replace them with 109 new homes, accompanied by communal green spaces.

The 1960s-built multi-storey, multi-occupancy social housing in those streets is to be replaced by low-rise accommodation for rent as part of a wider regeneration of the western end of Upper Langlee.

An extensive consultation on the plans was carried out between December 2017 and April 2018 by Scottish Borders Council, Eildon Housing Association, Langlee Residents’ Association, Galashiels Community Council and the Scottish Government.

That consultation found that residents of Upper Langlee were positive about its location and community spirit but were keen to see new houses and better communal spaces.

The existing accommodation there consists of 263 homes made up of 140 maisonettes, 87 flats and 36 patio houses with one to three bedrooms

The wider regeneration being proposed would result in 213 homes – made up of 44 maisonettes, 48 flats, 36 patio houses and 85 terraced townhouses offering either one or four bedrooms – being built.

A spokesperson for Waverley Housing said: “Over recent years, the social housing at Upper Langlee has carried a certain stigma stemming from increasing levels of antisocial behaviour and a number of problematic tenants.

“There were increased levels of property vacancies and a decrease in interest in certain house types and locations, along with a perception of a lack of larger family properties available within the development.

“The aim is to provide a broader mix of housing types which better reflects the future needs of the social rental sector, particularly for family homes.”

The progress represented by a planning bid being submitted to the council has been welcomed by Galashiels councillor Euan Jardine.

“This is great news for Galashiels and, most importantly, the Langlee area,” he said.

“The new houses will bring some vibrancy, and I am sure the people that live in the vicinity will welcome new neighbours into their community.

“I welcome the proposal, and I am pleased that Waverley Housing is looking to invest on such a large scale in the town.”

Fellow Galashiels councillor Harry Scott added: “I have viewed the plans and attended presentations on these proposals and very much welcome this project by Waverley Housing.

“It will bring much-needed modernisation with high-quality family homes in the area, in contrast to the flats that presently occupy the site.

“It will be a great improvement both to the quality of the housing on offer and to the aesthetics of the area.”how the new homes will look can be seen at https://vimeo.com/430708298