THE future of an award-winning Kelso-based needlework and quilting specialist  is no longer hanging by a thread after councillors agreed an expansion bid.

The Wonky Giraffe submitted a planning application to Scottish Borders Council (SBC) to utilise two units for retail and training purposes from its base at the U-Stor business units in Spylaw Road.

The application was refused by planners on the grounds that it was not for business and industrial use and would set an “undesirable precedent”  that “prejudiced the long-term provision of business and industrial land in Kelso”.

Objections were also submitted over concerns that agreeing the proposal was unfair to high street traders, one objector saying it “would encourage current businesses and new businesses to leave the high street and move to cheaper industrial facilities”.

However, the application also received considerable support from members of the public and businesses, many citing the benefits of its educational provision.

And when members of SBC’s Local Review Body met earlier this month, a majority agreed to overturn a recommendation from council officers to refuse the application.

The Wonky Giraffe moved to the U-Stor premises in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The business took a change of direction shortly after starting, when it became apparent that it needed to be much more than just an online shop to satisfy the demands of customers.

Additional space was required to accommodate the stock held, and, following customer feedback, the owner was keen to organise and run training classes and hold open group sessions.

The business now comprises 11 per cent retail space, 29 per cent storage and online use and 60 per cent craft/education.

Hawick & Hermitage councillor Jane Cox said: “I think any local business that supports local people should be applauded in this day and age. This local business should be supported.”

Tweeddale West councillor Viv Thomson concurred, adding: “We encourage diversification and and that’s what I see this is. It wasn’t an online business but it has had to develop when COVID happened. Businesses struggled and they saw an opportunity here to develop their business and I do think that is something we should be supporting.

“The area there about does have residential accommodation so I’m sure for many people it’s something that, if it was in the town centre they may not go to because that may be for many a car journey or a walk that they can’t make. Having something like this on your doorstep is a blessing. It has also had  huge community support – 84 letters of support.”

A supporting statement with the application said: “The business started during the pandemic lockdown as an online one and was successful. Demand from the customer base that was established indicated an opportunity for small business growth to deliver workshops.

“This grew significantly and required larger space which became available immediately post lockdown within the same premises. This expansion, on site, enabled the development of a popular service and successful business model from which in-person retail became increasingly in demand.

“The Spylaw Road premises were fundamental to this growth as they offered appropriate space and parking for the business users.”