Builders Taylor Wimpey and property developer and investor AWG Property want to build the properties on land east of Kittlegairy View in the Borders town.

Planning permission in principle is being sought for the project which developers said was “effective and deliverable within five years”.

They claimed it would also help to tackle a housing shortfall in the region at present.

And the building firm insists the development is a viable option, despite concerns being raised last year over flooding and a second Tweed crossing being required.

Andrew Roberts, strategic land and planning manager for Taylor Wimpey, said: “We are delighted to be lodging this planning application and to have the opportunity to address any perceived constraints. Issues around flooding can be overcome, and we are pleased to note that development can be accommodated by the current bridge.

“We have also had positive preliminary discussions with the Baptist Church over the development of a facility on the site, for use by the whole community.

“We were conscious through our various discussions with the community that there was an urgent need for such a resource, especially given the lack of provision on the south side of the river.”

In September, concerns were raised over capacity for further traffic on the Tweed Bridge between the town centre and the proposed site.

But the agents of AWG and Taylor Wimpey said a study they commissioned show the current structure could accommodate the increase.

A spokesman for agents Barton Willmore stated: “We have carried out preliminary analysis of traffic flows on the Tweed Bridge crossing and assessed its capacity based on its size and designation.

“In addition, we have estimated the private vehicle trips that the new development will generate, based on published data.

“Existing traffic and additional traffic generated as a result of the proposed development will not significantly increase the vehicular traffic using the bridge and it will remain well below its capacity.”

Peebles Community Council is due to discuss the plans at its next meeting tonight at 7.30pm in the Council Chamber.