INCREASED contributions from housing developers are being called for as worries persist over Peebles’ ability to cope with a larger population.

Planners argued that it was “untenable” for the bill for improved infrastructure to be picked up after new housing estates have been completed.

They want developers to bear a larger burden of the costs that will arise from the extra services that will have to be provided.

A report presented by the planning committee of the Peebles Community Council emphasised any planning approval needed to address the infrastructure pressures and costs arising from the impacts of development.

The report outlined slight revisions to the future development plan with the housing allocation for Peebles, Eddleston, Innerleithen and Cardrona for the period 2019-2024 increased from 100 to 110. But the allocation for Peebles remains unchanged. It went on: “Proposed developments need to retain and support the special character of the town, contribute to genuine improvements to access routes and support to and for community services, and practical support for development of local jobs and affordable housing and the concomitant support for local business and tourism. This remains a tough “ask” of the current planning system, which is very focused on physical developments, leaving the infrastructure costs to be picked up after event.

“This is an untenable situation for Peebles, and we need to find a way around this. The Master Planning process is one route, but the other obvious route should be to substantially increase the breadth and scale of developer contribution attaching to all developments.

The report recommended that the Community Council should take up the issues with the Tweeddale Area Forum and Scottish Borders Council.

Regarding current development proposals the report suggested the following: **All current developers in Peebles make a contribution towards infrastructure. This would include improved communications across the town, medical and health support facilities, schools capacity and infrastructure, and sheltered and affordable accommodation.

**For the development along Innerleithen Road a means be found to incorporate the old railway line route running along the back of the development for public use as part of an extension of the Innerleithen to Peebles multi-use path.

**For the Rosetta Caravan Park housing development an enhanced link road to Edinburgh Road for motor traffic. Also that the road from the development site to “The Crossings” be specifically designated for priority use for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Also if the route was upgraded it should be narrowed to single-track with passing places to discourage residents along Rosetta Road using it as a “rat-run” to get to and from the A703 northwards.

The report added that the local development plan is unlikely to be finalised before March next year. Meanwhile, the Community Council’s initiative to devise a Master Plan for Peebles will take a step forward with a workshop on June 7 that will explore community dimensions of the plan. That will be followed on September 6 with exhibitions and presentations on how others have progressed community plans and actions.

One of the main issues surrounding future developments in Peebles is the provision of a second bridge. The planning committee’s report stated: “Until such time as it becomes clear that a second bridge will not be built, medium-term and long-term housing allocation should remain to the south of the river.” It added that there should be “strong resistance” to large housing developments north of the river that were not already included in draft plans. Scottish Borders Council has indicated that it is unlikely to look at any of the Master Plan’s recommendations until the local development plan is finalised.