Plans for homes and business units at old farm west of Selkirk given thumbs-up

Plans for a mixed residential and business development at a former farm west of Selkirk have been given the go-ahead.
How a development being lined up at Kirkhope Steading, near Ettrickbridge, will look.How a development being lined up at Kirkhope Steading, near Ettrickbridge, will look.
How a development being lined up at Kirkhope Steading, near Ettrickbridge, will look.

Ettrick and Yarrow Community Development Company has been granted planning consent for five new homes and the same number of workshop units at Kirkhope Farm, near Ettrickbridge.

That thumbs-up comes just weeks after the company’s community-led buyout of the two-hectare site from Buccleuch Estates was finalised, thanks to a £285,000 grant from Holyrood’s Scottish land fund.

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Its aim is to provide five affordable homes for rent, three by converting one side of the steading and two by building new semi-detached houses to replace an existing open barn.

Kirkhope Steading, near Ettrickbridge.Kirkhope Steading, near Ettrickbridge.
Kirkhope Steading, near Ettrickbridge.

The other side of the steading will be turned into business units, with workshop space on the ground floor and offices above.

The new homes and business development will be kept separate, with entrances to the latter located to the rear.

Tw0 of the homes within the existing steading will offers two bedrooms and the other, like the new-build homes, will have three.

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Also proposed is the provision of 23 parking spaces, 13 for the five houses and 10 for the business units, along with works to improve the existing access and landscaping.

In a report advocating approval of the proposals under delegated powers, planning officer Brett Taylor says: “No significant demolition is proposed and the proposed conversion is in keeping with the character of the building.

“Although a new building is proposed, it will be situated in approximately the same location as the existing Dutch barn and would respect the spatial pattern and character of the surrounding area. The principle of the development is therefore acceptable.

“With respect to the new business units element of the proposal, given the site is within the countryside, it is also appropriate given the location of the site and the support for community services and facilities and the provision of new jobs to support the local economy.

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“The proposal is not an agricultural, horticultural or forestry use, nor leisure, recreation or tourism use.

“A significant factor is that the site does offer the opportunity for low-key employment and workshop facilities that are completely contained within the building.

“Further to this, the building is currently vacant, and this proposal offers the potential for a new use that would allow local business to expand and create employment opportunities.”

The development company hopes to begin work at the site later this year.

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Company director Sandy Cumming said: “Creating affordable homes and business space at Kirkhope will be a huge boost for both valleys as there are very few properties available to rent at prices local young people and families can afford, and this has had a real impact on the local school and community as a whole. ”

Project manager Vicky Davidson added: “Taking ownership is a huge milestone for us and something we’ve been working towards for several years.

“We want to thank Buccleuch Estates for giving us the first option on the site and then for their patience while we raised the funds.

“We also want to thank the Scottish land fund not just for the funding but also for their support and advice at every step of the way.”

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Buccleuch Estates executive chairman Benny Higgins said: “The level of co-operation between the development company and Buccleuch has been exceptional, and we look forward to seeing their plans coming to fruition over the coming months.

“We are delighted that we have been able to support this community purchase, which will allow for more affordable housing within the valleys.

“We are all aware of the challenges facing the south of Scotland and the need for families and individuals to have the means to thrive within the local area.”

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