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Plans approved to replace fire-hit Peebles High School

Stallan-Brand/SBC New schoolStallan-Brand/SBC
A new school will be built to replace the old secondary

Plans have been approved to build a new secondary school in a Borders town after the old one was badly damaged in a blaze.

The £46m Peebles High School project was given the green light by planning committee councillors.

The old building suffered extensive damage after a fire in November 2019.

Scottish Borders Council has approved plans for its replacement despite some concerns over athletics provision and drop-off points.

Scottish Borders Council School fire damageScottish Borders Council
The old school was badly damaged in a fire in 2019

The local authority considered a number of options following the fire but decided that a complete replacement was the best way forward.

The proposals were put before its planning committee.

Councillors unanimously approved the scheme which should allow work to start in the coming weeks.

A planning report said the project represented a "significant investment" in education and community facilities in the town.

It described the school's design as "innovative and interesting" and recommended approval which was subsequently given by the planning committee.