THE region's largest social housing provider has announced plans to build six new homes in Peebles.

According to Scottish Borders Housing Association's register, there are 485 people - many with families - looking for rentable houses in Peebles.

And last year when 11 two-bedroom homes became available, SBHA received more than 200 bids.

The new two-bedroom flats, which were revealed this week, will be built on Glensax Road.

Letters have been sent out to tenants of garages which are currently on the site.

Henry Coyle, SBHA's director of assets and property services, told the Peeblesshire News: "We appreciate that it may be inconvenient for people to make alternative storage arrangements, however we feel that the creation of affordable housing is of paramount importance.

"Parking provision will be addressed in the planning application and we hope that by informing people affected so far ahead, we can assist them to make alternative arrangements.”

The proposals were agreed at SBHA's recent board meeting and a full planning application is likely to be submitted with the local authority in the coming weeks.

Mr Coyle added: “Our housing needs analysis shows that there is considerable demand for affordable housing across the Borders and as buying land is expensive, SBHA is looking to make best use of the land it already owns, as well as considering additional land acquisition opportunities.

"Since SBHA began building homes in 2013 we have delivered 59 fantastic new build homes in Hawick, Earlston and Galashiels and we plan to build another 65 new homes in nine communities, Borders-wide, over the next three years.

"Tenants are delighted with their new homes."