A housing project in Kelso that was delayed due to the pandemic is now moving forward again.
Back in 2019, Scottish Borders Council approved planning permission in principle (PPP) for the demolition of existing structures and the construction of 11 new homes on the former D M Wallace and Sons Ltd site on Bowmont Street.
However, the approval was never implemented after Covid-19 halted construction activity and created uncertainty in the housing market, particularly for smaller developments.
The site has since been acquired by Gilbert Developments, which has now secured a renewal of the planning permission. In a report recommending approval, SBC assistant planning officer Euan Calvert explained: “Demolition is considered acceptable in this case as the proposals involve the removal of unlisted buildings that do not contribute to the architectural or historic value of the townscape.
“The industrial units and former shop add little positive character to the conservation area.
“There will be no negative impact on residential amenity as a result of the demolition. Effects relating to daylight, sunlight, shadowing, and overlooking from the proposed housing development will not have an adverse impact on nearby residents.”
A report linked to the original application noted: “The approval was never carried out due to a combination of factors, including the fact that permission was granted only months before Covid-19 brought global activity to a halt.
“Confidence in this type of small, complex brownfield development was severely affected, as the site is too limited for major developers and generally too large for smaller independent companies.
“Gilbert Developments Ltd later purchased the site, which until recently was occupied by a garage repair and sales business.
“That lease has now ended, and the intention is to reinstate the PPP approval initially. This will allow demolition works to begin and enable the completion of required site investigations, including archaeological and contamination assessments, before submitting a further application covering the detailed design and layout of the housing scheme.
