900 housing development approved for Newtown
.It was discovered on the SBC website that some 900 houses, yes 900 houses, have been given approval for building on Whitehill Farm (600) and west of Sergeants Park (300).
.
The planning application was given ‘outline planning approval ‘ back in 2009 but then we heard no more for the13 years !!
At the time, on behalf of the village, the Community Council formally objected to the plans and also at a Public Inquiry which was held by a government appointed ‘Reporter’ in the Volunteers Hall, Gala but this was to no avail. The objection was on the basis that the large development would triple the village population but give no direct benefits to the village.
.
It is extraordinary that no contact has been made with the village about the recent planning approval notice which was buried on the SBC website under 13 years of other miscellaneous planning applications for Newtown. It is feared that there is not a lot that can be done after the Public Inquiry and the Council planning authority approval however it is strongly recommend that the new village Community Council plus our Local Councilors work to get good connections with village centre in order to increase footfall and support retail outlets and other small businesses etc. Also it should be used to strengthen the case for new school, health centre and other community facilities in the village centre.
.
Finally, the big question is when will it all start to happen? No answer yet since it depends on the developer completing some approval 'conditions' and then making the decision. In the mean time your new Community Council must take the initiative and ask the question plus many others on your behalf.
.
Use below link to Council planning public access site showing 2009/11 documents and recently issued planning approval notice :-
09/01005/OUT | Erection of 900 dwellinghouses including associated infrastructure, highway works, ancillary works and landscaping. Highway works to include formation of new roundabout on A68 trunk road and realignment of Whitelee Road | Land North, East And West Of Whitehill Farmhouse And Land North, South And West Of 32 Sergeants Park Newtown St Boswells (scotborders.gov.uk)
.
.It was discovered on the SBC website that some 900 houses, yes 900 houses, have been given approval for building on Whitehill Farm (600) and west of Sergeants Park (300).
.
The planning application was given ‘outline planning approval ‘ back in 2009 but then we heard no more for the13 years !!
At the time, on behalf of the village, the Community Council formally objected to the plans and also at a Public Inquiry which was held by a government appointed ‘Reporter’ in the Volunteers Hall, Gala but this was to no avail. The objection was on the basis that the large development would triple the village population but give no direct benefits to the village.
.
It is extraordinary that no contact has been made with the village about the recent planning approval notice which was buried on the SBC website under 13 years of other miscellaneous planning applications for Newtown. It is feared that there is not a lot that can be done after the Public Inquiry and the Council planning authority approval however it is strongly recommend that the new village Community Council plus our Local Councilors work to get good connections with village centre in order to increase footfall and support retail outlets and other small businesses etc. Also it should be used to strengthen the case for new school, health centre and other community facilities in the village centre.
.
Finally, the big question is when will it all start to happen? No answer yet since it depends on the developer completing some approval 'conditions' and then making the decision. In the mean time your new Community Council must take the initiative and ask the question plus many others on your behalf.
.
Use below link to Council planning public access site showing 2009/11 documents and recently issued planning approval notice :-
09/01005/OUT | Erection of 900 dwellinghouses including associated infrastructure, highway works, ancillary works and landscaping. Highway works to include formation of new roundabout on A68 trunk road and realignment of Whitelee Road | Land North, East And West Of Whitehill Farmhouse And Land North, South And West Of 32 Sergeants Park Newtown St Boswells (scotborders.gov.uk)
.