DESPITE initial opposition to development plans for a greenfield site in Peebles, housebuilder Persimmon Homes has this week submitted a planning application to build 71 houses.

The Bathgate-based developer lodged the bid with Scottish Borders Council to build a range of two, three, four and five-bedroom homes in South Parks.

And they claim the £7 million development will help meet demand for housing in the town, with 25 percent of the properties on the 5.8-acre site being for affordable housing.

Jim Kirkpatrick, Managing Director of Persimmon Homes East Scotland, told the Peeblesshire News: “Our commitment to investing and creating new homes in the Scottish Borders remains strong.”

The development will create in the region of 82 full-time jobs.

Jim added: “The development of this site will not only create jobs it will also develop a range of quality homes that meet the needs of the current housing market and offer a significant boost to the local high street, by providing an additional £2.5 million per year in retail spend.”

When the plans were first revealed earlier this year at a consultation event they were met by concerns from neighbours of the site as well as community leaders.

The planning application will be considered by Scottish Borders Council over the coming months.