July 29 2009

A Borders village is set for a growth spurt after Buccleuch Property and Elphinstone Estates lodged plans for 900 homes at Whitehill Farm, on the periphery of Newtown St Boswells.

The £135m scheme would nearly double the 1,200 souls who currently call Newtown St Boswells home and has encountered stiff opposition from locals, more than 50% of whom signed a petition against the proposal in 2006.

A public inquiry has agreed to expand the village in principle however, subject to ensuring a “positive impact” on the area.

The masterplan submitted does not address the village centre however, the main justification for development, due to land ownership issues and the lack of a village development framework from South Borders Council.

Given relevant approvals work could commence on the first phase of the scheme in 2012.

A planning application for the scheme can be viewed here, http://eplanning1.scotborders.gov.uk/WAM/showCaseFile.do?appType=planning&appNumber=09/01005/OUT

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