PLANNERS are this week pushing for a controversial conversion of West Linton Police Station to be approved, despite strong opposition.

Local businessman John Wilson wants to extend and convert the former Bogsbank Road building into offices.

And he also wants to build a house in the rear garden ground.

A total of 17 objections have been tabled against the proposals.

Neighbours claim the plans will be out of character with the surroundings, impact on the conservation area, and also set a president for other garden builds.

But their arguments have fallen on deaf ears. Planning officer Dorothy Aymes said: “The new dwellinghouse and office are located in a residential area and the proposals will not have an adverse impact on the residential amenity of the area. There will not be a significant increase in the traffic and the proposals do not raise any road safety issues.

“Each application is dealt with in its own merits and this is an unique site with an existing small building which contains office accommodation that the applicant wishes to retain.” Scottish Borders Council’s planning committee will consider the application at a meeting on Monday.