THE chief executive of a Borders housing association is considering appealing against this week's decisions to derail two affordable-home developments.

Eildon Housing Association were refused permission to erect 40 flats beside the Tweed in Peebles during Monday's local authority planning meeting.

And during the same committee session the Selkirk-based social landlord's application for a 69-house-development in Galashiels.

The decisions were welcomed by objectors but Eildon's chief executive Nile Istephen believes the councillors are denying dozens of families a much-needed home.

He told us: “Councillors should be in no doubt that their decision denies scores of individuals and families high quality, affordable homes."

The planned Peebles development at Tweedbridge Court had come under fire for its scale and design.

And not even a revised design which lowered the height of the two blocks could appease opponents.

The density of the planned site at Coopersknowe outside Galashiels was also criticised by objectors as well as road safety concerns.

But both the Peebles and Galashiels proposals were being recommended for approval by Scottish Borders Council's planning officers ahead of Monday's meeting.

Eildon is now in discussions about lodging appeals with the Government.

Mr Istephan added: “We worked closely with council planning officials to ensure our applications complied in full with their requirements.

"Both applications were recommended for approval.

“As a charity and not-for-profit organisation, we have invested significant sums in ensuring the designs and site landscaping are of high quality.

"All our work is in line with the council’s Strategic Housing Investment Plan and Scottish Government targets on housing provision.

“The cost of failing to tackle housing need in the Borders impacts on the quality of life for everyone, from families with young children to pensioners with growing care needs and employers seeking local workers for vital services.”