You Said – We Did

 

Community

 

Respondents were supportive of efforts to encourage community and to improve the existing appearance of the site.

 

We are proposing shared green spaces and pedestrian friendly routes. We aim to enhance the character of the area through high-quality architecture, landscaping and public spaces.

 

 

Impact on area

 

Respondents were pleased with the number of new houses and some asked about the impact of additional traffic and possible overlooking.

 

The streets have been designed to manage vehicle movement and incorporate natural traffic calming whilst including generous planting. The orientation of some houses has been adjusted to reflect comments regarding possible overlooking.

 

 

Parking and mobility

 

Respondents highlighted the importance of including enough car parking and some asked about allocation for wheelchair accessible homes. Others highlighted the importance of having pedestrian connections between the four blocks.

 

The development has been designed to provide a suitable level of parking provision while supporting a pedestrian friendly environment. Accessible parking has been included, close to the associated homes.  

 

 

Housing Need

 

Respondents noted the high priority for affordable housing in Selkirk and the need for a range of house types for families of all sizes and ages. Others suggested homes for older people.

 

The proposed mix of housing offers variety for a range of household sizes and also includes homes for older people and for those requiring wheelchair accessibility. The development is for affordable housing. 

 

 

Access and Connections

 

Respondents queries the connection to existing paths and welcomed the inclusion of more than one entrance to the development. A lack of public transport was highlighted as a general issue for the area.

 

The development has been designed to provide clear and convenient connection to the existing riverside paths and pedestrian connection beyond to the nearest bus stop.

 

 

Nature and History

 

Respondents noted the existing trees on site and the importance of providing habitat for wildlife. Some asked about flooding from the Ettrick Water. Others suggested connections to the history of the site through street names, information boards and reusing or referencing original materials.

 

The landscape strategy will be developed to introduce new native planting and habitat-friendly features within green spaces to support wildlife and biodiversity. The design incorporates Sustainable Drainage Systems.

 

 

Energy

 

Respondents requested information about the heating sources, photovoltaic panels and EV charging for homes.

 

The proposals include air source heat pumps and photovoltaic panels for all homes. The photovoltaic panels will use sunlight to generate electricity and anything that is not used by the household will contribute to heating the hot water. EV charging points will be incorporated within the development with infrastructure to support future up-take in the shift towards low-emission transport.