Thursday October 1st 2026
Plans for the St Aidans church site
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
Go-ahead has been given for a two block affordable housing development on the site of a demolished Victorian church in Galashiels.
Permission to flatten the former 19th century St Aidans Church and hall was given in 2018 after conversion plans failed, with councillors agreeing at the time that demolition was the only economically viable option.
Now Scottish Borders Council has rubber-stamped a bid for the new two block development of four houses and 15 flats in Gala Park, despite objections raised over issues such as increased traffic and impacts on privacy.
The latest application, from Eildon Housing Association, is similar to an application submitted in 2022 for 20 dwellings, but with the height of the main block reduced in an effort to address concerns.
In his report approving the application, Carlos Clarke, SBC lead planning officer, says: “The outcome is a reasonable balance/compromise between ensuring a high quality development that respects the context and adjacent Conservation Area, while accounting for the applicant’s needs to ensure the development is economically viable.
“The proposed changes fundamentally seek to address the need to ensure the development is economically viable. Regard must be had to its financial deliverability, given it seeks to deliver centrally located affordable housing.”
One objector stated: “The height of Blocks 1 and 2 on Gala Park are significantly higher than the existing building line on Gala Park.
“This will have a detrimental effect on light to our property especially the garden where we enjoy sunshine in the summer.”
The original church on the site opened in 1880 as the South United Presbyterian Church.
The adjoining halls were built in 1939 by architects Lorimer & Matthew and were designated as a Category B listed building.
The church closed in August 2005 after the congregation merged with St Ninian’s.
The property was put up for sale, and the main church building and hall were subsequently demolished in around 2019.
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