Published: Tuesday, 30th June, 2009 1:56pm

Victoria Park in line for £11,970 makeover

THE way has been paved to upgrade two Victoria Park footpaths.

Plans were approved at Monday night"s Tweeddale Area Committee to renew two heavily used paths in the park at a cost of £11,970.

The SB Local scheme is expected to be completed within the current financial year and will comprise of overlaying and new kerbing along the paths.

It was also agreed on the night to allow £460 for the removal of a large tree stump and the reinstatement of a verge in Broughton village.

Another development was likewise approved at the Rosetta Road meeting concerning the formation of an all-ability access ramp at Peebles" B-listed Old Parish Church on the High Street.

Planning permission for the divisive application was granted after councillors voted 3-2 in favour.

Local councillor Catriona Bhatia was joined in her motion for refusal by Gavin Logan.

Both formed the same view of the application as Peebles Community Council, which objected to the application on the grounds that the ramp does not respect the amenity and character of the surrounding area.

Councillor Bhatia said: 'This is a sizeable ramp on the front of the most prominent building in Peebles. I feel that there is no need to place such a permanent ramp which will only spoil the look of the building.'

However, Councillors Calvert, Herd and Archibald sided with SBC planning officers that the alterations were not considered likely to have an adverse impact on the Conservation Area.

The application has now been approved subject to it receiving clearance from Historic Scotland.

Monday"s meeting also received an appeal regarding the committee"s prior decision to refuse planning permission for the erection of 10 holiday chalets by the side of the A72 at Milkieston Toll, Eddleston.

This development was refused due to its harmful effect on the amenity and character of the area and its failure to meet adequate access arrangements.

It was also felt that the site is at significant risk of flooding.

A Government Reporter will now rule on the matter within the next six weeks.