DETERIORATING farm buildings near Peebles could be turned into a rural events venue, if plans are approved.

Edderston Farm lies to the south west of the town.

An application has been submitted to Scottish Borders Council (SBC) for “an event space which will host weddings, funerals and gatherings of up to 150 people”.

A report submitted to SBC states: “The currently vacant and under-utilised farm buildings on the southern part of the site have presented an opportunity to create an attractive, sympathetically designed event venue comprising a chapel, function suite, main hall, outdoor terrace/break-out space alongside ancillary back-of-house accommodation and parking.”

It later adds: “The works are promoting a light-tough approach with very little new build proposed.

“The rustic charm of the barn/farm buildings is their unique characteristic and there is no wish to dilute this asset. The current mix of rooms and spaces enables the formation of a main hall/wedding venue, a chapel space and associated dining area and outdoor terrace, all supported by associated toilets, kitchens and general circulation/reception space.”

The application has been submitted by Benson Wemyss Farms, which farms approximately 2,000 acres of land to the west of Peeblesshire.

The business currently employs four full-time farm workers, according to the report.

It adds: “The project at Edderston would build on the growing hospitality business, developing wedding and stay-cation options, which now employs an additional five people and is generating much needed additional income streams for local businesses.”

“This is a job-creating opportunity at a sustainable location that will have wider community benefits in terms of employment and through the use of a range of local suppliers. It will also add to the wider offer of event venues in the area, adding choice and something different to the overall offer in and around Peebles.

“This will benefit the wider economy in attracting additional business to the area that would otherwise have gone elsewhere, or even worse, would have led to local users leaving the area to find a suitable venue.”