Scottish Borders Council originally granted planning permission in principle in 2019 for the demolition of existing buildings and the construction of 11 homes on the former DM Wallace and Sons Ltd site in Bowmont Street.

However, the approval was never activated as Covid‑19 halted construction activity and dented confidence in small-scale housing projects.

The site has since changed hands, and the new owner, Gilbert Developments, has now secured a renewal of the planning consent.

Assistant planning officer Euan Calvert, in his report, noted that the proposed demolition is acceptable because it involves unlisted buildings that “do not make a contribution to architectural and historic character of the townscape.” He added that the works would not harm residential amenity, with no significant impacts expected on daylight, sunlight, shadowing or overlooking for neighbouring properties.

A report accompanying the original application acknowledged that the permission had lapsed due to “a combination of circumstances including approval being granted months before Covid‑19 brought the world to a standstill.”