RESIDENTS fear increased traffic from a proposed major housing development in Peebles will result in a road tragedy.

And anger has been voiced that already-stretched local schools and health services would not be able to cope.

As the Peeblesshire News announced plans by Persimmon to build around 50 new homes on a site at South Park, locals cried ‘no more’ on social media.

The proposals were showcased on Tuesday at the Eastgate, where concerned Peebles residents discovered the application was for 70 houses on the controversial site.

Many believe that no further planning permission should be granted for housing until the local infrastructure and amenities are increased to meet the extra demands.

But the real bone of contention is access along the already-busy Caledonian Road, which is the sole route serving the entire community to the south and west of the only road bridge.

It also houses the town’s fire and ambulance stations, and is frequented by pupils crossing on their way to Peebles High School.

Locals say they were led to believe that there would be no additional development on the south side of the river Tweed until a second road bridge had been built. And they say they will not stand for the development to be pushed through on a ‘promise’ of a future bridge.

If plans are given the go-ahead, Caledonian Road, which also serves as parking for homeowners to the south, could see a potential increase of over 100 vehicles.

Reacting to our story, Alan Williamson posted: “Our services, doctors, schools seem to be at bursting point, can we really take anymore, or are they going to creep in by small numbers at a time hoping no-one will notice.”

Greg Haywood said: “Fifty new family homes meaning probably at least 50 more kids for the schools and at least 150 more patients for the Health Centre. No brainer really, isn’t it?”

Another local resident, Caroline Skea added: “As long as they also build a large health centre, a second Tweed crossing and alternative access routes, a grocery store and a state-of-the-art high school with a 3G pitch and various other facilities, I see no reason at all to stop this.”

Concerns were also expressed of an increased flood risk on Caledonian Road.

It was suggested that the only sensible area to build to new houses in Peebles would be on the north side of the town, or at Leadburn or Penicuik, as the majority of prospective occupants will be commuting to Edinburgh.

Resident Donna Renwick was dismayed at the proposals: “The crossing for children is inadequate as it is at the Coronation Tree. Negotiating a three-way car congestion from and to the High School is an accident waiting to happen. Add to that the access to the fire brigade and ambulance stations, another 50 to 100 cars using that road will meet a tragedy. It’s time to say no.”

Although acknowledging that Peebles is in need of more affordable housing, the local community council fear this proposal will not meet that need.

Scott Murray also questioned the affordability of the proposed houses. He said: “Are they going to be affordable, or again only suitable to people selling properties in Edinburgh, England or other higher priced areas? We need housing that local people can afford.”

The people of Peebles were asked “not to be bullied by the money men” by local resident Jim Pettigrew. He added: “This not only concerns those south of the river but every Peebles resident. Local infrastructure and amenities are already overstretched, with no indication of them improving in the near future.”