Published: Monday, 26th July, 2010 9:30am

Violet Bank's stage show

by David Knox

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THE curtain will be raised next month at the Eastgate Theatre on plans for a major housing development in Peebles.

Land owner Mike Clay wants to build 50 houses on his field at Violet Bank.

The former caravan park owner, from Cardrona, posted a Pre-Application Notice with Scottish Borders Council this week.

And full details will be revealed during a public presentation being staged at the theatre on August 19, 20 and 21.

The greenfield site is zoned for housing in the area's Local Plan, with an indicative figure of 40 properties.

But access to the edge-of-town development could prove difficult. Local councillor Catriona Bhatia said: "The advantage of the site is that it doesn't put a strain on the Tweed Bridge like other recent developments on the other side of the river have.

"The road leading out to this site from Peebles is very tight along Rosetta Road and has difficult bends which could prove problematic - it will be interesting to see what our roads people think."

The alternative route to the Violet Bank site - which is next to both the playing fields and caravan park - is a minor road from Mailingsland on the A703.

It is hoped the new development would also be linked to the town's bus service which currently reached Kingsland Square.

Councillor Bhatia added: "For a development of this size we would certainly want town buses to service it."

The proposed 50 properties for Violet Bank would include a percentage of affordable housing.

And this is being welcomed by Peebles and District Community Council chairman David Pye.

He said: "We don't have the full plans for the site yet, but once the exhibition has taken place we will put together our official response.

"I welcome the affordable housing aspect of the plans as we do have a shortage in the town."