Treehouse on stilts approved

Farm owners have been given the green light to branch out after plans for a treehouse built on stilts in Ancrum were approved despite flood risk concerns expressed by experts.
By Paul Kelly
Published 18th Aug 2020, 16:39 BST
Sandystones Farm at Longnewton near Ancrum.Sandystones Farm at Longnewton near Ancrum.
Sandystones Farm at Longnewton near Ancrum.

Hugo and Jessica Lee’s bid for a unique holiday home at Sandystones Farm was rejected by council planning officer Brett Taylor, under delegated powers, in April.

But members of the council’s local review body overturned the decision when they met yesterday (Monday, August 17) via a video link with a vote of four to two in favour.

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The proposed treehouse, to be marketed via specialist travel firm Sawday’s Canopy and Stars, was originally given the thumbs-down because its location on a flood-plain was deemed to pose a potential risk to holidaymakers, sparking an objection from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

The 45sq m treehouse proposed by the Lees – to be timber-framed and larch-clad, with a slate roof – would be able to accommodate families of up to five.

Hawick and Denholm councillor Clair Ramage said: “Looking at the site, it’s beautiful and I think it would be very popular, but I still do have concerns about the fact it is on a flood-plain.”

Tweeddale West councillor Eric Small said: “I’m in favour of this unique development. It’s a one-off for the Borders and I think it might encourage other farmers to diversify. I’m a bit sceptical about SEPA when they come up with plans on flooding and I’m all in favour of granting permission for this.”

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East Berwickshire councillor Jim Fullerton added: “The flooding risk is the only reason there is to turn this down in my book. I think it is rather unfair that the applicant assures us that the treehouse sits on stilts above the one in 200-year flood risk. Let’s be honest Hawick hasn’t even got protection for a one in 70-year flood risk and yet this has to meet a one in one thousand risk.”

Kelso councillor Simon Mountford added: “I have to say I am persuaded by the applicant that by the mitigation actions they have taken take the situation very seriously. The last thing they want is for their guests to be washed away in a flood, so they are not going to take unnecessary risks in my opinion.”

Hawick and Denholm councillor Neil Richards said: “This is a very exciting tourist offering. I personally have no problems with this development.”