A LOCAL businessman has appealed against planning permission being refused for his proposed dog care facility near Peebles.

Paul Lawrie wanted to use land near Milkieston Toll House as a run for the animals he looks after.

But Scottish Borders Council refused change of use permission for the land as well as the erection of a perimeter fence.

Mr Lawrie provides a dog care service and wanted to use the site for up to three hours each day to exercise the animals.

In April the local authority turned down his application.

Planning officer Ranald Dods stated: "The proposed use is not one which can easily be located within an urban setting and a rural location is appropriate.

"The land will be used for the intended purpose for only a limited number of hours per day in the working week and for the majority of the week, the land will appear as any other field in a rural setting.

"Whilst the use is broadly acceptable, the issue of road safety at the access has not been overcome to the satisfaction of Roads and a recommendation of refusal has been made."

Mr Lawrie's agents have now requested that the Local Review Body looks at the application again.

A spokesman said: "This site was chosen as it offered a quiet rural setting only a few miles from one of the Borders largest towns.

"The site also provides the dogs with a generous amount of open space which fits in well with the business ethos.

"The site’s proximity to Peebles gives the business a great opportunity to expand and potentially increase the number of local people wanting to use the service."

The Local Review Body are scheduled to sit next on Monday, August 19.