Proposals
The Site: The brownfield site is situated on the former Heather Mill and is currently vacant. The Ettrick Water is to the north behind a flood defence wall, Scottish Borders Housing Association’s office is to the south and there are industrial uses to the east and west. There are self-seeded trees on part of the site. The site is fairly level.
Proposal: The proposals show how the site could be developed for around 57 affordable homes with a mix of two storey cottage flats and houses, all with private gardens, car parking and landscaping. Two houses are also proposed for full wheelchair accessibility.
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All new homes could be served from existing and new roads connecting Whinfield Road, Riverside Road and South Bridge Street.
Standards: All the homes will be built to include high standards of insulation, air source heat pumps and photovoltaic panels on the roofs to minimise fuel costs for residents. Individual homes will all be built to the Housing for Varying Needs Standard which ensures the properties can accommodate people with differing mobility needs over time.
The proposed development will be assessed against the Secured by Design Accreditation to ensure a safe and pleasant environment is created. All paths, roads and the new Sustainable Urban Drainage pond will be overlooked.
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Built Form: The proposals comprise a mixture of two-storey cottage flats and two storey terrace housing.
The homes could be finished in traditional materials of brick and render to respect the historic and surrounding context. Traditional pitched roof slopes form gable features and are orientated to maximise energy from Photovoltaic Panels. These low maintenance materials extend to the selection of uPVC fascias, and rainwater goods to ensure that the properties stand the test of time.
Next Steps: We hope to gather feedback from the consultation before preparing the final design to make a Planning Application in spring 2026. Any consultation responses based on this presentation should be returned by Friday 6 March 2026 using the online tool or at the in-person event on Thursday 26 February 2026.
We thank you for taking the time to read this information and welcome your views on this proposal.
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