THE owners of a Peeblesshire mansion are challenging a decision by Scottish Borders Council to limit their wedding venue permission to two years.

Mike and Stephanie Goddard are also appealing to the government over limitations of 15 events per year and up to two per calendar month.

The contentious plans to transform part of Hartree House and its 25-acre estate into a wedding venue were unanimously approved by members of the local authority's planning committee in January - despite strong objections from neighbours.

The Goddards bought the 18th century house as a family home in 2008.

They have spent around £1.5 million renovating the property and grounds and hoped by letting out areas for weddings they could fund future restoration projects.

Permission was granted with an accompanying 10 conditions relating mainly to noise control and restrictions over the number of events.

This week agents on behalf of the Goddards submitted an appeal to have three of the conditions lifted - including the permission term only lasting two years before a review is carried out.

A spokesman stated: "The average cost of a wedding in UK in 2017 is estimated16 at £27,000.

"Because weddings have become increasingly expensive, and the average age of couples getting married is increasing, it is not surprising to note that the preparations for a wedding event can often extend over two years.

"The key determinant is the availability of the wedding venue, which may need to be reserved two years in advance."

The Goddards also want the Scottish government's Planning Appeals Division to overturn conditions limiting Hartree to 15 functions per year as well as the two-weddings per calendar month constraint.

The spokesman added: "Weddings, typically are seasonal with 72 per cent of all weddings in UK being held between April and September.

"Similarly, 54 per cent of all weddings are held on a Saturday.

"It can safely be deduced that climatic conditions predetermine that the wedding season in Scotland will be significantly shorter than for the UK as a

whole.

"Similarly, the wedding season for wedding functions held outdoors in Scotland, eg in marquees, will be even shorter."

A total of eight objections were lodged by neighbours of Hartree House to the original planning application.

And three members of the rural community, which is around one mile from Biggar, presented a case against the plans during January's planning meeting at Newtown St Boswells.

Neighbour Martine Purves, who has objected to the both the original proposals and the fresh appeal, stated: "At the planning meeting, the council recognised that a shorter temporary condition such as one year could have an adverse effect on bookings, but felt that a two-year condition allowed the appellants sufficient time to develop a sustainable operation plan.

"If the appellants adhere to the conditions and residential amenity is not being affected, the two-year review should be merely a formality and not affect bookings significantly."

A government reporter will consider the appeal over the coming months.