HOUSING association bosses hoping to address the affordable renting crisis in Peebles say their hands are tied over the height of controversial plans for flats.

Eildon Housing Association has been heavily criticised on their proposals to redevelop a site at Tweedbridge Court creating two blocks of four story flats.

Peebles Community Council and neighbouring residents concerned with the scale and design of the buildings, fear they will scar the picturesque town and have called for the current proposal to be rejected.

But the Eildon Group say they are trying to tackle the desperate need for housing in the town, and produced a design following technical advice from Scottish Borders Council.

Housing chiefs said the height of the blocks of flats were determined by flood risk, and lower-level designs would not be practical given the depth of foundation and flood prevention works required.

Last week a community leader blasted the revised plans as “carbuncles” and residents said there is plenty of scope on the site for an alternative design with more appropriately sized buildings.

This is refuted by Eildon Housing Association claiming to have invested in high quality design and materials to ensure the new homes “sit well” alongside the traditional building styles in the town.

Demand for homes in the community has seen the Association receive an average of 32 bids per property over the past three years.

More than 77 per cent of the homes were allocated to applicants living within a 10-mile radius of the town - underlining the scale of demand for affordable housing within local Borders communities

Eildon’s Chief Executive Nile Istephan anticipates a similar level of demand should planning permission be granted for the 40 new homes at Tweedbridge Court.

He said: “Housing need is a major issue across towns and villages in the Borders. People at all stages in life – from young people and families with young children to older people with care requirements – are looking for affordable housing.

"At Eildon we are working closely with local communities, Scottish Borders Council, the Scottish Government and other statutory agencies to address this most fundamental of social and economic priorities.”

Mr Istephan said the regeneration of the derelict site is a long-term project for Eildon.

He explained: “We have removed buildings which were in an advanced state of decay and have engaged in extensive consultation on how the new development can best be designed and laid out.”

The Chief Executive added that Eildon were “very much aware” that the previous owner of the site and private sector partners had faced significant development design and construction challenges.

He added: “From careful consideration of the broad site characteristics we have produced a plan which minimises any risk of flooding and places buildings at a suitable distance from neighbouring properties.

“In ensuring flood prevention measures are fully incorporated we have worked to technical advice from the local authority. This consideration has influenced the height of the proposed buildings.”

Developers say they have left significant space around the proposed buildings, including areas previously filled by houses.

Mr Istephen hopes plans will be given the go-ahead at a planning meeting of Scottish Borders Council on Monday, February 4.

He continued: “We are committed to creating high-quality landscaping and public space to make sure the development sits well with the local area and is a positive addition to the town.”

“The Tweedbridge Court development illustrates how Eildon is working with our communities and partner agencies to ensure affordable homes in the Borders are available to meet the full range of housing needs.”