A RETROSPECTIVE bid to site a shipping container in a Borders village has been given a sporting chance.

The container was installed beside two other shipping containers in Park Avenue in Walkerburn a number of years ago without prior planning approval.

Now a planning bid submitted to Scottish Borders Council has been approved.

The container is being used to store fitness and sports equipment used for the benefit of the Walkerburn community.

Carlos Clarke, SBC lead planning officer, said: “The visual impact of the container is mitigated by its discrete location and by the two established containers.

“A green colour for it (indeed, if all three were painted the same dark green colour) would assist in mitigating the visual impact of what is, ultimately, not a visually appealing structure.”

A report in support of the application said: “It was not appreciated that planning permission for the container was required, given the sole purpose was for community benefit.

“The container is being used to store fitness and sports equipment which is used for the benefit of the Walkerburn community and loaned out as required. It is largely hidden by the existing two containers which are used to store equipment used for the annual Walkerburn Festival. The equipment stored here has been used extensively so far this year and is helping people stay fit or become fitter and is a key community asset.”