PLANS to create affordable housing in Peebles still look hopeful despite proposals being rejected by Scottish Borders Council last month.

The application by Eildon Housing Association to build two blocks of flats on the banks of the River Tweed prompted a public outcry from locals concerned with the design and scale of the buildings.

When the plans were thrown out by the planning committee, Council leader Shona Haslam said the local community is not against affordable housing on the site.

She added: “We want to work with Eildon, who we value as a social housing provider, to come up with a design that works.”

Since then Peebles Community Councillors have met with Eildon representatives to find a positive solution so the Tweedbridge Court site can be developed for much needed affordable housing.

Chairman Lawrie Hayworth said that one of the actions following that meeting was that council officers to report back regarding the availability of supporting funding in order to make the case for a smaller number of units and therefore a lower height.

Councillor Haslam confirmed that a meeting to discuss this had taken place and she is waiting to be updated on the matter.