Berwickshire Housing Association is facing a major financial burden due to structural defects at its headquarters as a demolition plan has emerged.

The organisation recently vacated its base at Newtown Street in Duns and is now leasing temporary accommodation.

The long-term plan is to establish a new home beside a proposed 67-home development near the Acredale Industrial Estate in Eyemouth, a planning application for which has been submitted to Scottish Borders Council (SBC).

Now, another planning bid has been placed with SBC for permission to demolish the Newtown Street building.

placeholder image — The Acredale Industrial Estate in Eyemouth.

It has emerged that £1.7million in investment is needed to repair and make safe the building, a figure which would include asbestos removal.

Additionally, repair costs for maintaining the building are averaging £17,000 a year. As a not-for-profit organisation, it has been decided that such financial outlay can not be justified.

A report to SBC states: “Whilst the defects could be re-mediated, the costs associated with this would be substantial.

“It has therefore been determined that the level of investment required is disproportionate to the building value.

“As a not-for-profit charity, the financial burden of these works is not a viable option and is considered to not be a good use of the housing association’s resources.”

If demolition works are approved, it is believed the most likely outcome is that the site will be redeveloped for residential purposes. However, the priority at this moment in time is alleviating this financial burden.

Demolition will only relate to the principal building on the site. The ancillary buildings in the western part of the site will remain and could be used to assist with the demolition works.