Developers claim the 18-bed Murray House facility on Angraflat Road would create about 30 jobs.

A design statement by Aitken Turnbull Architects said about 30% of the Borders population was forecast to be over 60 within 20 years with rising demand for care services.

The new unit would be separate to the current home in order to meet the “different needs” of dementia residents.

The outward looking bedrooms are positioned to provide residents with a direct connection to the landscaped gardens; a feature which will assist in the effective care of dementia patients. Social spaces for sitting and dining are situated in the NW and SW corners to provide shared internal amenity space for both residents and guests which also provides direct connection to the outdoors.

The central hub and service building will be positioned to the south east of the existing boundary wall and will share a public domain with Queens House. This allows the more utilitarian functions to be kept separate from the dementia care residents and will provide activity areas, a salon, and quiet room which service at a destination for residents of Queens House and the new Murray House.

Subject to planning permission, it is hoped work could start in August and be completed by autumn 2018.