UPDATED: Bid to convert a Galashiels pub into a new restaurant and takeaway is withdrawn

A bid to convert a Galashiels pub into a new restaurant and takeaway is off the menu – after being removed from the council’s planning website hours after it appeared.
Harrow Inn in Galashiels. (Photo:BILL McBURNIE)Harrow Inn in Galashiels. (Photo:BILL McBURNIE)
Harrow Inn in Galashiels. (Photo:BILL McBURNIE)

An application was submitted to Scottish Borders Council for the change of use of the Harrow Inn at 22 High Street.

The application from the company Okome, incorporating the installation of a carbon filter extraction system, appeared on the council’s planning portal on Tuesday, May 11.

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But within hours it had been removed and the application withdrawn.

Harrow Inn in Galashiels.Harrow Inn in Galashiels.
Harrow Inn in Galashiels.

No-one from the applicant or the applicant’s agent, Glasgow-based Bennett Developments and Consulting, was available for comment.

But a spokesperson for Scottish Borders Council did confirm that both planning and building consent applications had been formally withdrawn on Tuesday, May 11, adding: “The applicant has decided not to pursue these applications”.

The original report submitted by Bennett Developments had stated: “The proposed development will see this vacant inn property converted into a restaurant with a takeaway facility.

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"Internally, the existing central bar, while described in the description in the Listed Building Register as being in fine condition, is in fact in poor condition and given its scale it would be impossible to use the internal space for any other use were it to remain.

"Accordingly the proposal will remove this feature but retain all the other original features which appear to be in reasonable condition.”