Housing proposal 'good for Duns'

A pedestrian link will lead to the centre of Duns

A major housing development for Duns will be good for the town according to the local councillor.

About 50 objections were received to the bid by Border Homes to build 62 properties on a three hectare site next to Springfield Avenue.

Scottish Borders Council's planning committee has given the green light to the scheme, with access conditions.

Cllr John Elliott said he believed the development could have a positive impact on the town.

"It is good for Duns that there are more houses coming to the area," he said.

"It won't necessarily happen very quickly, however, because there are very stringent conditions about having a pedestrian link from the area to the centre of Duns."

Lessen concerns

He said that should allay local concerns about traffic problems being caused by the new housing.

"That will lessen the concerns of the residents in that people don't have to use a car to get out of the site if there is a pedestrian link to the centre," he said.

Cllr Elliot added that the distance to the new secondary school planned for the town was no greater than in other towns in the Borders.

"There has been a lack of development in Duns," he added.

"In some ways, for the good of the town, for the good of business in the town and for local organisations it is useful to have more people."