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Housing plan for village where trains returned

Molly ArmstrongBBC Scotland
News imageCSY Architects An image showing a brightly lit neighbourhood. There are white houses surrounded by green trees and bushes. Two adults and a child walk together next to the bushes.CSY Architects
It is claimed the new proposal, shown in this computer generated image, would open new opportunities for first-time buyers and young families

Plans for a housing development in the Scottish Borders village of Reston have been submitted.

It follows the reconnection of the area to the rail network with its own station after a 58-year break in 2022.

The scheme which has been submitted to Scottish Borders Council (SBC) contains plans for 45 new homes on land near Reston Primary School.

A total of 12 of the homes have been proposed as affordable housing.

News imageGoogle A street view of Reston showing the road with a train station to the left, and a path to the right. The skies are overcast.Google
The proposed development aims to support sustainable growth of the town

In addition to a public consultation period, the application includes in-depth architectural plans, landscape proposals, and environmental assessments.

A central village green would provide residents with a place to socialise in a sustainable green space.

Developers also said it would increase biodiversity with its sustainable drainage (SUDS) basin to the north.

A planning statement said: "Reston is well placed to contribute to housing land targets and both Reston Primary School and Reston Railway Station will support this."

News imageCSY Architects An overhead image shows a number of white houses with grey roofs, surrounded by roads and greenery.CSY Architects
The housing development plan follows the return of the railway station in 2022

It will be up to SBC's planning committee to decide whether the plans can go ahead at a later date.

However, some concerns have already been raised about the impact on the sewerage system and pedestrian safety.

One objection claimed that the "drain running down the road from the school is too small for the number of homes currently using the existing drains".

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