Innerleithen's gap years to end

David O'Leary • Published 14 Jan 2011 09:30 0 Comments

PLANS have been submitted to rid Innerleithen of a decades-old High Street eyesore.

An application to build a two-storey building with storefront at the town's gap site was received by council planners this week.

If successful, the proposal submitted by Edinburgh estate agent, Keith Burns, on behalf of property developers, Waverley Tweed, would see an end to the boarded-up space which has stood empty on the High Street for over 20 years.

An application for six flats at Waverley Road which neighbours the site from the rear was approved by Scottish Borders Council's planning committee back in November.

Both plots are owned by the same company. Keith Burns said: "It is not yet known who will move into the retail site when finished, that will depend upon tenancy demand. We also, as yet, have no exact timeframe as to completion dates.

"Hopefully the application will be approved and then we'll take it from there."

The news comes hot on the heels of Innerleithen's recent success in landing BT superfast broadband two years before the rest of the country.

Innerleithen Community Council had even been looking into the possibility of placing a mural and community garden at the site with a view to improving the look of the High Street.

And earlier this year Scottish Borders Council approved £3000 funding for a study by Eildon Housing Association into the feasibility of constructing affordable homes at the site.

Community Council chairman Ross McGinn said: "It's great news coming so soon after our BT Infinity success. I'm sure any businesses looking to set up in the Borders will look twice at Innerleithen now when you twin this High Street site with our broadband success.

"The gap site has stood as an eyesore in the town for over 20 years so this development is warmly welcomed by the community council.

"However, I've seen my fair share of false dawns over the years regarding the gap site hopefully this won't be another one."

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This article appeared in Peeblesshire News 14 Jan 11

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