Consultation and Survey Hub

How you would like to be kept informed on taking forward the next Local Development Plan for the Scottish Borders?

Generally respondents were supportive of the Council’s proposed approach to how information on the new LDP would be shared. The value of traditional methods such as placing adverts in newspapers, notices in libraries and contact centres, circulation of newsletters and the use of email was highlighted. The distribution of posters/leaflets to community councils for them to circulate within their communities was also suggested. Although the use of email was seen as a preference to the use of social media, concern was expressed to the dependency in the use of the internet. Whilst there was a preference for public meetings and for in-person presentations, it was also clear that there is still a need for online events. However, some comments were received in respect to the timetable for bringing forward the new LDP.

As a result of the public consultation on the Draft Development Plan Scheme, only minor amendments have been undertaken, this primarily included adding dates to tables 1 and 3.

Going forward, the Development Plan Scheme will be updated annually to take account of any comments received and any potential changes to the timeframe for bringing forward the new Local Development Plan.

The consultation on the potential sale and repurposing of the School Brae Public Toilets in Peebles received a total of 26 responses. The comments revealed a range of opinions and concerns, which have been categorised into key themes. All comments can be seen in full in the embedded file below. 

Key Themes

1. Support for the Reuse Hub 

Several respondents expressed support for the proposal to repurpose the toilet block for the Reuse Hub. They highlighted benefits such as reducing waste, providing affordable items to the community, and the successful management of the Reuse Hub by the Peebles Community Trust. 

2. Opposition to the Sale 

A number of respondents opposed the sale and repurposing of the toilets. They emphasised the need for public toilet facilities in Peebles, especially for tourists, families with young children, and individuals with medical conditions. Concerns were raised about the impact on tourism and local businesses if public toilets are not available. 

3. Alternative Suggestions 

Some respondents suggested reopening the toilets or providing alternative facilities nearby. Proposals included collaboration with organisations like Go Tweed Valley to improve tourism facilities. 

4. Concerns about Community Trusts 

There were comments expressing scepticism about the ability of community trusts to manage the facilities effectively, citing past difficulties in securing funding and maintaining buildings. 

5. Potential Traffic and Accessibility Issues 

Concerns were raised about increased traffic and accessibility issues if the Reuse Hub is expanded. 

We will continue to liaise with Peebles Community Trust as they develop their business case for the proposed Reuse Hub in the School Brae Public Toilets building.

All comments submitted as part of this consultation have been fed back to the Trust and will inform their business case. We will ensure that any actions taken are published here to keep the community informed and engaged.

Following contact from Scottish Borders Council (SBC) with community-based organisations in Selkirk, The General Store approached SBC with a proposal to purchase the toilet block and use it as a re-use hub. SBC has no plans to re-open the toilets.

The ‘wee’ re-use hub aims to prevent items such as bric-a-brac, hardware, and textiles from ending up as waste and going to landfill. It is anticipated that items will be available by donation or free if needed, building on the regular rummage sales that The General Store holds.

Before selling the building, we sought the views of the local community. Comments could be made by completing an online form, emailing comments to communityengagement@scotborders.gov.uk, or posting comments to the SBC Communities and Partnerships Team. Comments would be shared with the team at The General Store and published on this website. No personal information would be shared.

This consultation had four questions.

We received 24 responses to the consultation. Here is a summary of the feedback:

• A majority of respondents (66.67%) agreed with the proposal to sell the former public toilets to The General Store. 
• Some respondents expressed concerns about the lack of public toilets in the area and the financial sustainability of the reuse hub. 
• Many respondents praised the idea of repurposing the building and appreciated The General Store's efforts in the community. 
• A few respondents suggested alternative uses for the building, such as a tourist information hub or additional parking spaces. 

Based on the feedback received, we are currently discussing the project viability, business case, and other considerations with officers regarding the potential sale of the public toilets to The General Store. We are committed to ensuring that the final decision takes into account both the aims of The General Store and the community's views. We will continue to keep the community informed about the progress of this project and any further developments.