Monday June 29th 2026
Development is near Philipburn House Hotel
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
A major new 49 home development on the edge of Selkirk was rubber-stamped today.
Applicant M & J Ballantyne Ltd has won approval from Scottish Borders Council to build the much-needed affordable homes on land east of the Philipburn House Hotel in Linglie Road.
The development includes a mix of houses and flatted accommodation, associated parking, a community green space and a community garden.
The site is bounded by Linglie Road, beyond which lie established residential properties within the Bannerfield estate and Philiphaugh Primary School.
Six submissions objecting to the application had been received by Scottish Borders Council.
Objections included potential impacts on the historical significance of the site, including its association with the adjacent Philiphaugh battlefield
Further objections centred on loss of an attractive open field enjoyed by local residents and concerns that the plans represent over-development.
But when members of SBC’s Planning and Building Standards Committee met on Monday, June 29, they approved the application, citing the Borders housing emergency and the need for new homes to be built.
Councillor Viv Thomson, SNP councillor for Tweeddale West, said: “When I first looked at this I supposed I was alarmed at the loss of the green space but policy does allow a social and economic and community justification for the loss of the space and given that these are going to be affordable housing that, for me, just over-rides that.
“These are a really good mix of size of houses and we are really short of larger size properties in the Borders.
“I have a huge amount of concern for residents. If you have got used to looking out at the countryside and your dog walking space is just across the road and all that is going to change.
“But we do have a housing emergency on and these are affordable houses and they are good quality, so while my initial thought was ‘I’m not really sure’, my concerns have been clarified and while I understand local concerns I do think this is a good development for the site.”
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