GALASHIELS could be getting 80 new 'affordable' homes if plans are approved.

Last month, Scottish Borders Council (SBC) officers signed off on proposals to build 11 houses at Buckholm Corner – the first phase of the project.

Now plans for 69 homes at the site on the northern edge of Galashiels have been submitted by Buckholm Ltd, forming the second phase of the development.

All 80 homes would be owned and managed by Eildon Housing Association, and would be “100 per cent affordable”.

READ MORE: Venomous snake gives Borders woman a fright during walk – 'I jumped 6ft'

Eildon’s chief executive, Nile Istephan, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for a designated housing site which has lain vacant for a significant number of years.

“It will be a welcome addition to Galashiels."

Of the 69 houses in phase two, there would be 38 two-bed and 23 three-bed properties, with the remaining eight earmarked as four-bed homes.

READ MORE: 19-bed Borders mansion and former Girl Guides centre to become family home

The “steep-sloping” site – situated around one mile away from the town centre – is specifically allocated in the council’s adopted 2016 local development plan, with an “indicative capacity of 60 dwelling units”.

Papers submitted by the applicant state: “It is acknowledged that this [80 homes] is a greater figure than the ‘indicative’ number suggested for the overall site in the 2016 LDP.”

The papers continue: “It is however anticipated that the additional numbers can be satisfactorily accommodated on the site.”

READ MORE: New restaurant could be opening in Borders town as plans unveiled for shut bank

As for phase one, plans to build 11 houses were passed by council officers on March 17.

Initial planning permission for the phase one site was granted back in 1979 but remains valid “on account of a ‘material’ start having commenced” in the form of an access road off the A7.

Mr Istephan, of Eildon, added: “Affordable homes for the people in the Borders continues to be a critical need, particularly at this time, so we are really pleased that we are now at this stage in the process.

“We look forward to working with, and hearing the views, from the local community as the proposals develop and to continue to deliver inclusive growth for our region.”