Support for plans to revamp site of 19th century Peebles mill

WHITEBURN Projects has received a positive endorsement for its plans to regenerate the former March Street Mill in Peebles.The Edinburgh-based developer’s proposals are recommended for approval at the Scottish Borders Council’s planning and building standards February committee.The 2.24 hectare site sits in the heart of Peebles and was previously a 19th century woollen mil. Whiteburn’s proposals for the first phase of the March Street development comprise 51 two, three, and four bedroom homes, and the retention of the former Engine and Boiler House for commercial use.The site’s Lodge Gatehouse will be sympathetically extended and modernised into a new family home, and a key focus of the development proposal includes the preservation of the key greenspace for community allotment use. In addition, section 75 contributions will be agreed with Scottish Borders Council when planning consent has been granted, the developer said.Whiteburn Projects MD, Eve McCurrich, said, “Our proposals for March Street are the result of extensive local consultation, and they are led by our desire to deliver a sensitive development in the heart of Peebles. This phase of the development will deliver 51 new build homes and apartments, which will be a mix of tenure, together with the retention of key heritage buildings.“Central to our development is the retention of key green space for long-term community allotment growing space. We have also designed new pedestrian and wheeling routes in response to the local plan requirements to widen permeability across the development for the wider community.“We are already exploring commercial uses for the heritage buildings with Cullen Kilshaw, since launching the former Boiler House and Engine Shed to the market we are encouraged by the positive response that we’ve received from a range of local businesses who are looking to establish workspace in Peebles“Reaching February’s planning committee with a positive endorsement for our development is a significant milestone for us as we remain committed to bringing March Street in Peebles back to life. Our team is looking forward to being busy in the Borders again and our Allanbank, Lauder development will also start in 2024.”Whiteburn’s client manager, Toria Jones, added, “March Street is a fantastic location, a short walk from the High Street and amenities of the town, it is a true 20-minute neighbourhood. It is our aspiration that our development at March Street will provide a natural extension to the existing, active community of Peebles.“We have already seen interest from so many local Borders people who want to live in a new Whiteburn Home, and I hope that the committee will support the planning officer’s recommendation so we can realise that dream for people whether they already live locally or wish to move to the area.”