Monday March 30th 2026
The proposed development.
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
Ninety-six homes are to be built in a Borders village despite concerns over the omission of a pedestrian bridge.
Belfast-based property developer The Mayfair Group has won approval for the major development on land adjacent to Sprouston Burn at Newtown St Boswells.
Members of Scottish Borders Council’s Planning and Building Committee today rubber-stamped plans despite concerns raised at the lack of a pedestrian bridge.
Objector Gavin Hewitt told the committee that objectors were not opposed to the development of the site in principle, rather the “excessive” density of the plans, saying:
“Planning for this site was first considered in the 1990s and the council’s view has been that 68 houses represented an appropriate density. You are being asked now to approve 96 houses, a 40 percent increase with no justification other than the developer’s interest.”
Mr Hewitt also cited the absence of a pedestrian bridge in the plans, to ensure safe school access, adding: “If a bridge was deemed necessary for 68 houses it is even more necessary to service 96 houses. Arguments that a bridge would make the development unviable should be treated with some scepticism.”
Bridgeen Boyd, on behalf of The Mayfair Group, responded: “We are very keen to expand our presence in Scotland and particularly in the Borders, where we see a real opportunity not just to deliver in housing but to invest in communities and support long-term growth.
“We have carefully considered how this site connects to the wider village. We are investing in pedestrian infrastructure, including a footpath around the site providing safe and convenient access to local services, schools and communities.
“A bridge connection was fully explored, however, it is not viable due to the significant costs, engineering complexity and health and safety concerns.”
Councillor Sandy Scott, Conservative for Jedburgh, described the development as “very exciting”, adding: “It does come down density of houses, which I am quite happy with and the footbridge, which I’m quite happy with as well. I had to walk for over a mile to go to school, so I don’t see that point six of a kilometre is too bad.”
Councillor Viv Thomson, SNP for Tweeddale West, opposed the development, questioning the “huge leap” from the recommended 68 houses to 96 homes and described the building of a bridge as “key”.
But Councillor Eric Small, Conservative for Tweeddale West, felt the benefits outweighed the negatives, adding: “We have a housing emergency and it’s going to keep young couples in the area to work here, to bring their children to school here.”
The developer has joined forces with Scottish Borders Housing Association on the development which is to include a mix of detached, semi-detached, terraced properties and bungalows.
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