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Housing

Kelso Housing Development Seeks Renewal of Planning Approval after Covid-19 Delays

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

After being granted planning permission in principle (PPP) in 2019, a housing development in Kelso was put on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The pandemic caused a lack of confidence in the housing market, making it challenging for smaller-scale developments like the Kelso project to move forward. Now, the new owners of the site, Gilbert Developments, are seeking renewal of the expired planning approval to revive the project.

Key Takeaways:

  • Scottish Borders Council granted planning permission in principle (PPP) for the demolition of buildings and construction of 11 new homes in 2019.
  • The planning approval was never enacted due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which led to a loss of confidence in the housing market for smaller-scale developments.
  • Gilbert Developments, the new owners of the site, are seeking renewal of the expired planning approval to restart the development process.
  • The application includes plans to initially reinstate the PPP approval, demolish existing buildings, and conduct site investigation works, including archaeology and contamination assessments.
  • The site was previously occupied by a garage repair and sales company, but the lease has expired, allowing Gilbert Developments to pursue the housing development plan.
  • The development aims to create 11 new homes on the site of D M Wallace and Sons Ltd in Bowmont Street, Kelso.
  • The pandemic's impact on the housing market and smaller-scale developments has been a significant challenge for projects like the Kelso housing development.

Statistics:

  • 2019: The year in which Scottish Borders Council granted planning permission in principle (PPP) for the demolition and construction of 11 new homes.
  • 11: The number of new homes planned for the Kelso housing development.
  • 1: The location of the site, on the grounds of D M Wallace and Sons Ltd in Bowmont Street, Kelso.
  • 1: The ownership change, with the new owners being Gilbert Developments.

Sources:

  • "A KELSO housing development scuppered when the world was 'brought to a standstill' by Covid-19 could become a reality at last."
  • "READ MORE: 'Incredible buzz' as major cycling event makes return to the Borders"
  • "Gilbert Developments Ltd purchased the site and until recently a garage repair and sales company has operated from it.

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