The Edinburgh-based developer’s proposals are recommended for approval at the Scottish Borders Council’s Planning and Building Standards February 2024 Committee.

The 2.24 Ha site in the heart of the Borders town of Peebles is a former woollen mill from around 1884. Whiteburn’s proposals for the first phase of the March Street development are for 51 two, three and four-bedroom homes, and the retention of the former Engine and Boiler House for commercial use.

The Lodge Gatehouse will be sympathetically extended and modernised into a new family home, and a key focus of the development proposal includes the preservation of the Key Greenspace for community allotment use. In addition, Section 75 contributions will be agreed with Scottish Borders Council when planning consent has been granted.

Whiteburn Projects managing director, Eve McCurrich, said: “Our proposals for March Street are the result of extensive local consultation, and they are led by our desire to deliver a sensitive development in the heart of Peebles. This phase of the development will deliver 51 new build homes and apartments, which will be a mix of tenure, together with the retention of key heritage buildings.

“Central to our development is the retention of Key Green Space for long-term community allotment growing space.

“We have also designed new pedestrian and wheeling routes in response to the Local Plan requirements to widen permeability across the development for the wider community.

“We are already exploring commercial uses for the heritage buildings with Cullen Kilshaw, since launching the former Boiler House and Engine Shed to the market we are encouraged by the positive response that we’ve received from a range of local businesses who are looking to establish workspace in Peebles.

“Reaching February’s planning committee with a positive endorsement for our development is a significant milestone for us as we remain committed to bringing March Street in Peebles back to life. Our team is looking forward to being busy in the Borders again and our Allanbank, Lauder development will also start in 2024.”

Whiteburn Projects is a member of Homes for Scotland and is fully committed to a programme of engagement with local communities and key stakeholders throughout the lifetime of its developments. Its programme of community engagement for the March Street development has included two public consultation events, meetings with a variety of local community and interest groups, and discussions with Scottish Borders Council regarding a range of Section 75 community benefits.