A FORMER Victorian schoolhouse and latterly a mental health resource in Galashiels could be about to return to its original status as a family home.

A planning application has been submitted to Scottish Borders Council for the change of use of Parkvilla at 69 Gala Park.

The SBC-owned property, which dates from the late 1800s, was recently sold with the asking price being in the region of £115k.

It was previously home to the Gala Resource Centre, which supported people with significant mental health needs.

In a submission with the planning bid, the applicant says: “I have recently purchased a vacant and run down property from Scottish Boarders Council and I am applying to have its use changed from commercial to residential.

“The property has been bought in a run down condition. Our offer was based on being able to convert the property to residential.

“With time we hope to turn the property into a habitable, residential family house.

“The property when built in 1879 was a family home and we intend to return it to a family home.”