BOSSES at Eildon Housing are confident fresh plans for a riverside site in Peebles will win favour with the community and planners.

And the detailed drawings could be submitted with the local authority in the next few weeks.

The social landlord's attempt to build two blocks of 20 apartments at Tweedbridge Court earlier this year came in for fierce criticism.

And despite revising their initial application by lowering each of the apartment blocks, members of Scottish Borders Council's planning committee still refused permission.

Last week the Scottish Government's Reporter also turned down an appeal by Eildon for the decision to be reversed.

Talks have been taking place between Eildon and councillors in Peebles in a bid to draw up fresh proposals for the brownfield site.

Chief executive Niles Istephan said: "We are disappointed that the Scottish Government has dismissed our current plans, on appeal, for the development of affordable homes at Tweedbridge Court in Peebles.

"Despite the overall conclusion of the appointed reporter, it is clear from the decision notice that the provision of affordable homes at this location is supported and a number of the concerns expressed about the scheme have been dismissed.

"High quality affordable homes are desperately needed across the Borders and we are extremely keen to make sure we deliver them.

"That’s why, following discussions with ward councillors and representatives of Peebles Community Council, we are well advanced in developing fresh proposals for this site which we hope will encourage wider support for the re-development of Tweedbridge Court.

"We plan to submit these proposals for planning in August and we are confident that this alternative scheme will secure planning consent to allow us to regenerate this long standing derelict site."