IT’S full steam ahead for a new stable block beside an old railway line in Peeblesshire.

Scottish Borders Council has granted planning approval for a stable with ten boxes at a steading west of Old Station at Cowdenburn.

The land lies within the countryside, immediately to the north west of the A701, some 5.75km north east of Romanno Bridge.

It is adjacent to the trackbed of the former Leadburn and Dolphinton branch line and approximately 80m west of the property known as The Old Station.

The development could provide stabling for horses associated with the recent permission granted to the same applicant, Dr Denise Toscani, to locate luxury holiday pods in the area.

The proposed site is also adjacent to the Clyde Valley Tourist Route and Borders Historic Route.

In his report approving the new application, SBC planning officer Ranald Dods, says: “Whilst it is not stated specifically in this application, this development could provide stabling for horses associated with the recent permission granted to the same applicant.”

When granting the pods application, Mr Dods said: “The applicant’s business plan indicates that one of the primary markets for these pods would be for those wishing to have a holiday with their horse.

“The site is some 400m distant from the existing stables building and menage, which could be utilised by holidaymakers.

“Despite that distance, the intention is to create a fenced area in the field adjacent to the site where holidaymakers’ horses could be accommodated in close proximity, thereby reducing the risk of kicking and injuries through the introduction of new horses to an existing herd elsewhere within the applicant’s land.”