These homes are set to occupy the previous location of Howdenburn Primary School on Lothian Road, a site left vacant since the school’s closure in 2020 and subsequent demolition.

This initiative is part of SBHA’s broader effort to increase affordable housing in the region, with similar projects underway in Newtown St Boswells, Galashiels, and Earlston. The housing association has identified a substantial demand for housing in Jedburgh, with over 300 applicants expressing a preference for residing in the area, The Southern Reporter reports.

The 5.57-acre development will not only feature two, three, and four-bedroom homes but also essential infrastructure. This includes roads, footpaths, a sustainable urban drainage system (SUDS), and ample open space, ensuring a holistic approach to community development.

One of the submitted documents explained: “A key element of the partnership is to work with local communities to create a legacy that goes beyond the provision of the new homes.

“SBHA and Cruden Building are working together to explore training, employment, and other community benefits that can be factored into the programme at Howdenburn, similar to what is being done at Earlston by Cruden.”

Highlighting the community focus, the majority of subcontractors hired for current and upcoming projects in the area are sourced from the Scottish Borders, bolstering local employment.

The proposed development will centre around a green space, designed to be pedestrian-friendly and surrounded by terraced houses up to two-and-a-half storeys high. This design aims to foster a “welcoming, safe, and pleasant environment” for both residents and visitors, enhancing the Howdenburn area’s overall appeal.