PLANS for a major housing development in Peebles will be unveiled next week at a consultation event.

Persimmon Homes is hoping to build around 50 new homes on a site at South Park.

Ahead of submitting a planning application to Scottish Borders Council, the developers will host an afternoon event at the Eastgate Theatre on Tuesday.

But the proposals are already meeting opposition.

Les Turnbull, who is the convenor of the planning sub-committee on Peebles Community Council, told us: "Leaving aside infrastructure concerns such as pressure on schools and health services, it is entirely inappropriate.

"The only access to this site is along the Caledonian Road which is already congested and difficult to negotiate.

"Bearing in mind that this road is home to our fire station and ambulance station further congestion will only exacerbate matters."

Persimmon will host the open forum, where details of the proposals will be made available, from 3pm to 7pm.

Officers from the Bathgate-based developers will be on hand to answer questions and also obtain views to help shape the forthcoming application.

Mr Turnbull added: "Obviously until the detail of the proposals are seen it is difficult to comment further on them, except to say that whilst Peebles does need more affordable housing it is likely that this proposal will not address that need."