A NEW project is aiming to increase housebuilding by a third across the South of Scotland.

The SESplan, which was published last week, sets out how the region should grow over the next 20 years and make the best use of its assets.

The scheme, which covers the Borders, Midlothian, East Lothian, West Lothian, Edinburgh and Fife councils, hopes to make 40 per cent of the properties affordable homes.

SBC councillor Stuart Bell, Convenor of SESplan, said: “This document is the result of the six councils working closely together to plan a better long-term future for the region, where growth is directed to the right places.

“The recent announcement that a City Region Deal for our region will be developed jointly by the local authorities in partnership with Scottish and UK Governments means that some of the infrastructure which is needed to support this growth, and which is identified in the plan, could potentially be delivered sooner rather than later.”

Over the next six weeks, the SESplan is inviting the public to comment on the proposals and to find out more.

Comments and suggested changes will then be submitted to Scottish Ministers alongside the plan in spring 2017.

The final Strategic Development Plan is likely to be submitted to Scottish Government for approval in spring 2018.

More information can be found at: http://www.sesplan.gov.uk and you can submit comments to: sesplan-consult.objective.co.uk/portal

There will also be a public presentation at the council headquarters in Newtown St Boswells on Thursday, November 10.

The event will be open from 3pm to 6.30pm on a drop-in basis and from 6.30pm there will be a presentation and Q&A session. 

For the presentation sessions spaces may be limited, so please email contactus@sesplan.gov.uk or call 01506 282883 during office hours to reserve a place.