Plans to replace former Melrose church with flats being recommended for thumbs-up

A former church in Melrose's West Grove, off Waverley Road, set to be demolished to make way for an apartment block.

Scottish Borders Council’s planning and building standards committee is to consider a bid by Melrose-based developer Rural Renaissance to create a four-storey retirement housing complex in the town’s West Grove, off Waverley Road, at a meeting being held online next Monday, and it’s being advised by officers to give it the thumbs-up.

Its application, submitted in March, is for 14 retirement apartments for occupants aged over 55, reduced from the 20 originally proposed in response to concerns raised at two public consultation meetings held in February.

It sparked five objections but also four letters supporting it, plus Melrose Community Council’s blessing.

How a new apartment block proposed at West Grove in Melrose would look.

In a report to councillors advocating approval, development management team leader Julie Hayward says: “This site would be an ideal location for apartments of this nature, being close to the town centre, health centre and public transport.

“The proposal would increase the variety of accommodation types available in Melrose and provide accommodation for those of, or close to, retirement age not readily available at the moment.

“The proposal is to demolish the existing buildings on the site, which are outwith the conservation area and not listed, so consent is not required for their demolition.

“The church and manse have been significantly altered and extended over time, although elements of the historic fabric remain. They now have a low heritage value, so there are no objections to their demolition.

“It is accepted that the site demands a building of a scale to reflect that of the existing building on the site and the design approach is acceptable.”