Peebles woodland housing development appeal lodged

The owners of Kingsmeadows House are challenging the latest refusal for a new housing development

A development company has lodged an appeal with the Scottish government after the latest refusal of its plans to build houses on a woodland in Peebles town centre.

Granton Homes bought the 18th Century Kingsmeadows House and estate more than a decade ago.

The B-listed property was converted into 12 apartments and the company was granted permission for a separate block of 10 flats to be built at the rear of the house.

However, further plans for felling ancient trees on the historic 18-acre estate on the banks of the River Tweed were refused, and several appeals have also been turned down.

The proposed development has attracted 130 objections from locals

Granton renewed their outline permission for the apartment block in 2019 but the latest attempt for developing the land has attracted 130 objections from locals, as well as politicians and civic groups.

Planning officers have indicated that they cannot support the application, and Granton Homes has now lodged a fresh appeal with the Scottish government for the permission to be renewed.