IT is expected that the shutters are about to come down on any remaining hopes of a pub and restaurant coming to Cardrona.

Plans to develop housing on the village-edge site, which was originally designated for a public house, are being backed by planners ahead of next week's committee meeting.

Waverley Tweed Ltd want to build a block of four flats and a terrace of three two-storey properties on the land near Horsburgh Bridge.

Approval was given seven years ago for a mixed use development on on and around the site at the former railway station.

As well as housing, the permission was for a bar/restaurant and extension to the current cafe/shop.

But agents, Savills, have been unable to find any interest from pub and restaurant chains in taking on the development.

And despite advertising nationally, feedback about the potential of the venture has been poor.

Planning officer Craig Miller said: "There has been some regret in the local community at the potential loss of the public house facility, some commenting that Cardrona needs such a facility and that the nearby hotel caters for a different requirement.

"This is understandable. However, it is also the case that there was some opposition to the proposal for a public house in 2009 when it was first proposed.

"Evidenced by the submission from Savills, it is clear that there has been no interest in the site for the proposed use despite being marketed, reasons being given including the current hotel facility, lack of catchment population and duplication of facilities in Peebles and Innerleithen.

"It is also the case that the demand for rural and semi-rural public houses has declined over time, witnessed by proposals for changes of use across the Borders.

"There is no justification for continuing to hold out for a facility where there has been no commercial interest in the past seven years."

Waverley Tweed Ltd hope the proposed seven homes will be adopted by Eildon Housing and used to help meet the growing demand for social rented properties in the Tweed Valley.

A total of nine objections from villagers in Cardrona have been lodged against the fresh housing plans - ranging from the loss of the public house to a lack of parking spaces and road safety.

But officials at Scottish Borders Council are recommending the full application is approved by members of the planning committee when they meet on Monday.

Mr Miller added: "The developer has now revised the parking plans by providing an extra lay-by space to the front and an extra six spaces of those previously approved.

"A footpath section has also now been proposed on the corner of the roadway to lead people from this parking around the roadway to the shop."