Duns Housing Plan for Families Rejected Due to Land Concerns

Someone wanted to build houses near Duns. They planned ten new homes east of Kirkwell House on Preston Road. This plan was refused in 2023 by the council. The council didn’t want the town’s boundary extended and felt building on farmland wasn’t right. These were supposed to be detached family homes, so, the council said “no.”

Robert Lamont wanted to appeal, saying the homes met a need and that young families needed houses there. He took it to a government appeals group. Gordon S Reid heard the appeal. He sided with the council, stating the plan went against local rules and that losing farmland wasn’t worth it.

Lamont argued it was a popular spot, which would help the housing shortage affecting families around Berwickshire who needed suitable housing. Reid responded in his report, addressing the size of the proposed homes. Lamont had claimed the homes would suit larger families living around Duns.

Reid stated no real proof existed, and there was no identified need for such homes. He didn’t see evidence of the required demand. He added that they’re standard homes with no guarantee of occupancy; larger families might not live there, now or later, as no system ensured this, and smaller households could move in instead.

The Duns Community Council also objected because they disliked building outside the town limit and losing good farmland. Twelve households objected to the plan, while two households offered their support, showing that local people had varying views. Historic Environment Scotland didn’t object, knowing the site’s look would change but there would be no big impact on historic areas.