RESIDENTS are up in arms about a plan to site 80 containers at an industrial estate in Peebles.

The proposal, on unused former grazing land at South Parks, has attracted tens of objections, including from Peebles Community Council (PCC).

The near-4,000 square metre site sits opposite a housing development, and it is proposed to allow 24-hour access.

A submission with the application, by Colin Noble of Cupar-based Peggyslea Farm Partners, says: “The proposal is to site up to 80 storage containers and create a landscaped bund along the western and southern sides of the application site.”

There are varied objections, not least the access to the site.

PCC chairman Peter Maudsley said: “The only access and egress point for traffic is from Kingsmeadows Road into Caledonian Road and thence into South Parks Road.

“A significant majority of traffic will have to negotiate Tweed Bridge and the mini roundabout at the west end of the High Street.

“Scottish Borders Council has stated many times that major development will not occur without a second bridge.”

Mr Maudsley suggested a better location, which has been identified for business and industrial land, would be on a 4.9-hectare at Eshiels.

Concerns have also been raised by Peebles residents about the over-use of roads around the area, resulting in heavy traffic and a deteriorating road surface.

Mr Noble’s agent did not respond to a request for a comment.