March 31 2021

Scottish Borders Council has awarded planning consent to Camerons Strachan Yuill Architects for the regeneration of Upper Langlee, Galashiels.

The decision greenlights the demolition of low-quality flats at Beech Avenue, Laurel Grove and Larch Grove for replacement by 109 modern apartments managed by Waverley Housing Association. In their place, a single three-storey block of amenity flats is proposed at the site entrance together with 14 terraced house blocks, all finished with render, forticrete block and elements of zinc. A cluster of tightly packed lean-to bungalows in the centre of the site will be retained.

In granting consent, the planning committee observed: "The proposed development is considered to provide an appropriate form of infill development, which facilitates the positive regeneration of existing residential accommodation within this part of Upper Langlee.

"The building types may not be forms which are necessarily vernacular or traditional to the Scottish Borders, however, they satisfactorily integrate with the buildings proposed for retention as well as the wider Upper Langlee area. The proposals provide a clear hierarchy of buildings types within the site and result in a reduction to the scale and mass of the buildings which are being removed. The development is considered to provide an enhanced sense of place and richness within this urban area and align with achievable placemaking and design principles."

Works will be undertaken in three phases with timings still to be determined. 

3 Comments

#1 Posted by Fat Bloke on Tour on 31 Mar 2021 at 08:40 AM

Brutal -- and that is me being kind.

#2 Posted by monkey9000 on 31 Mar 2021 at 09:30 AM

Oh no no no, not white render in Scotland, are you mad!? Take a look at any development in the last 5 years and they already look a mess.

#3 Posted by TheFakeArchitect on 31 Mar 2021 at 10:06 AM

This looks good...., were it in the Costa Del Sol!

Post your comments