A new bid for homes at site in Berwick area

GMC Developments has proposed the development (reference number: 21/01355/FUL) for a site on land east of Lifeboat House, Dock Road.

It proposes to build 15 two-bedroom homes, 13 three-bedroom homes and two homes with four or more bedrooms.

This is the second time the company has applied to build on this brownfield site. On July 17, 2020, the local authority refused permission for the construction of 35 new homes and flats in the same location.

The reasons for refusal were detailed in the council’s notice letter.

They included the following: ‘The proposed development, by virtue of its massing, scale and setting, would erode the character of the site and its surroundings, especially the setting of the Tweed Estuary and the historic setting of the town of Berwick-upon-Tweed.

‘The development proposals fail to preserve the significance and setting of the identified heritage assets.

‘By virtue of the design of the proposals, scale and use of materials, the proposed development would have a detrimental impact upon the prevailing character of the Tweed Estuary.

‘Insufficient information has been submitted in support of the application in respect of ecological impact of the proposal.’

However, GMC Developments has sought to address these issues with its updated application.

According to its Design and Access Statement to the council, GMC will have ‘simplified both form and materials, and reduced scale. Whereas the previous proposal comprised 35 units in three built elements, the revised proposals comprise 30 units in two elements.’

It addressed the ecological concerns that were raised by council when stating that ‘updated reports by Enzygo Ltd are included in the revised application, showing that there would be no unacceptable harm to any protected species, wildlife diversity and protection of ecological sites.’

The company also stated it wanted to preserve the heritage assets of the Tweed Estuary saying: ‘The revised proposal aims for both an improved layout with just two elements and a contemporary design, which will add distinctiveness and quality design to the local landscape without jarring – in a similar approach to the new Berwick Infirmary building.’

A hearing for the proposal has yet to be set.