Peeblesshire News | News | Riding school plan approved

Monday, 8th September, 2008

Published: Friday, 1st February, 2008 12:30

Riding school plan approved

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PLANS for a riding school and stables in West Linton have been approved by councillors.

Tweeddale Area Committee gave Kerry Abernethy permission to build on land north-east of Whinny Knowe Farmhouse near Dolphinton.

In doing so, members overturned the recommendation of Scottish Borders Council’s planning department.

Local officials feel that the scheme should be refused because it represents undesirable and sporadic development in the open countryside.

They also argue that the need for a house on the site has not been demonstrated, particularly since a business is not established.

The applicant is running a livery and stabling business on rented land at Karecole on the outskirts of West Linton.

A move to Dolphinton offered expansion and would also allow the business to be run on land over which she had control.

Councillor Neil Calvert felt that the recommendation for refusal was a hardline approach.

He said: “It’s a business which does exist in this locality and one that is flourishing.

“But we seem to be trying to impede progress and I really have some concerns about the recommendations here.

“We should be trying to encourage business in this area and I’m very supportive of the applicant.”

His views were endorsed by Councillor Catriona Bhatia, who pointed out that Mrs Abernethy’s business could not expand in its current location.

Acknowledging planners’ qualms about the need to build a house, she was confident that appropriate safeguards could be put in place.

They would ensure that the house could not be built before completion of the stables and that the properties could not be sold separately.

Councillor Bhatia said: “It seems to be a marginal decision by the planners in this case.” Her motion to accept the plans was seconded by Councillor Willie Archibald.

The committee chairman, Graham Garvie, admitted feeling slightly uncomfortable with the members’ decision to approve the plans, subject to the necessary occupancy conditions.

He said: “We do have a strict policy about housing in the countryside and I just hope we’re not creating a precedent that we might regret.”

The application will be referred to SBC’s Development and Building Control Committee because the area committee’s decision goes against the planning recommendation.

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