Woodland buffer zone removal bid has been refused

A BID to ditch a woodland buffer zone at the site of a controversial Melrose housing development has been refused.

An application was submitted to Scottish Borders Council to remove the zone from an approved development at the foot of the Eildon Hills.

When planning approval was granted to build 28 homes on the Croft, near Dingleton Road back in July 2019, a condition was made that the applicant, Rural Renaissance, was required to “identify an area of woodland outwith the site to its south eastern edge and make proposals for the retention, maintenance, regeneration and management of the woodland”.

Rural Renaissance requested the condition’s removal to enable the development to proceed.

The company argued that the land earmarked is outside the original application site boundary and outwith its ownership; as it is owned by JS Crawford, a company which recently ceased trading.

But when members of the council’s Planning and Building Standards Committee met on Monday, they refused the application.

Tweeddale East councillor Marshall Douglas said: “I think it is absolutely essential that the development is screened in the way that it has been proposed and I think officers have it spot on with this and I would certainly turn down the application.”

Hawick and Hermitage councillor Jane Cox, pictured, agreed, saying: “Having lived in Melrose for the best part of 10 years, in the centre, I do know the site well. I can see why they would want to develop it as Melrose is a very desirable place to live.

“Houses would be very relevant on the lower part of the site but I don’t agree with extending it and the removal of trees, so I do agree with the officer’s decision.”