DEVELOPMENT land previously earmarked to support new housing in Chirnside, Berwickshire, will be used by a community group to retain and expand an allotment space.

Springfield and Eildon Housing Association secured planning consent to create 57 new affordable homes in Chirnside with construction set to start in the coming months.

However, it recently became apparent that neighbouring land originally secured for drainage was already in use by keen local gardeners who have created a popular community allotment, with plans to expand it further.

Despite having full consent to use the land, Springfield and Eildon Housing Association recognised the positive impact the community allotment has had on the local area.

Working with the land owner, the partners came together to revise their plans and reroute the drainage, avoiding any negative impact on the valuable community space.

Springfield Partnerships Managing Director, Tom Leggeat, said: “We always consider how our developments can enhance the communities in which they are located and the provision of good quality greenspace is key to this. Allotments are great for the environment, encourage biodiversity, promote healthy eating, sustainable living, active lifestyles and encourage people to come together.

“Springfield, Eildon Housing Association and the landowner have been impressed by what the community has been achieved at Chirnside and are pleased that we are able to support their project. By taking a collaborative approach, we have managed to agree a solution that will allow us to install the drainage we need, without impacting this fantastic community space.”

Nile Istephan, CEO at Eildon Housing said “We are delighted that this collaborative approach, working with Springfield Properties and the local landowner has resulted in such a satisfactory outcome for all parties and will allow for the expansion of the community allotments and promote biodiversity which we are very keen to support.”

“The 57 new homes at Chirnside form a key part of Eildon’s development programme to deliver a record-breaking expansion of housing and care services for our communities in the Scottish Borders. This is all part of our strategy to invest in excess of £120 million in the Borders economy bringing much needed jobs, regeneration and 750 affordable new homes.”

Landowners Steve and Susan Swan were also delighted that a new drainage arrangement had been agreed: “We know how much hard work has gone into setting up, establishing and maintaining these allotments, and appreciate how important they are to village life. The existing area will now remain undisturbed, which will be a great relief to the gardeners who have created such an attractive and productive space.”