The Planning and Building Standards Committee of Scottish Borders Council met on Monday 20 April 2026 to consider two planning applications. The committee approved the formation of an access road, yard, and parking area for Yair Forest Car Park near Peel, and also approved the change of use, alterations, and extension of Isaac House in Eyemouth to form a place of worship with a community hub.

Yair Forest Car Park, Land East of Craigmyle Park, Peel, Galashiels

The committee approved the application for the formation of an access road, yard, and parking area at Yair Forest Car Park. This development is intended to serve three buildings – a deer larder, a staff welfare base, and a storage shed – which have already been approved under separate prior notification procedures.

Concerns were raised by local councillors and community councils, including Clovenfords and District Community Council and Walkerburn and District Community Council, regarding the location of the development within a Special Landscape Area, potential for industrialisation of the rural landscape, increased traffic on narrow country roads and the impact on Ashersteel Bridge, and the scale of the car park. Objectors argued that the development lacked public benefit and conflicted with local development plan policies, particularly concerning landscape character and biodiversity.

Forestry and Land Scotland, the applicant, stated that the buildings were essential for effective forest management and maintenance. They highlighted that the proposed road and parking area were ancillary to these buildings and that improvements to the access track, including a passing place and surfacing improvements, would be implemented.

Despite the objections, the committee voted to uphold the officer's recommendation for approval. The decision was made on a casting vote by the Chair, Councillor Simon Mountford, after an equal split of four votes for and four votes against the officer's recommendation. The approved development is subject to several conditions, including requirements for a surface water drainage scheme, a planting scheme, improvements to the access track, a species protection plan for bats, and a construction environmental management plan.

Isaac House, Armatage Street, Eyemouth

The committee approved the application for the change of use, first floor extension, and alterations to Isaac House to form a place of worship with a community hub. The building, currently a storage facility, is located within Eyemouth's conservation area.

The application had been continued from a previous meeting to allow for a site visit. Concerns raised by objectors included potential noise and disruption from construction and operational use, traffic impact on the conservation area, parking issues, and the impact on local amenity. Some objectors also raised concerns about potential biodiversity issues and the adequacy of consultation.

The applicant, Highway Christian Fellowship, stated that the building was derelict and that the proposal would bring it back into active use, enhancing the town centre. They indicated that the use would primarily be for local residents and that sustainable travel would be encouraged.

The committee, after discussion and a site visit, supported the officer's recommendation for approval. The decision was made with three abstentions. Conditions attached to the approval include the requirement for a Construction Traffic Management Plan, detailed specifications for external materials, windows, and doors, a scheme of post-construction ecological enhancements, and a Noise Management Plan. The use of opaque glazing on the front elevation was also agreed upon as an additional condition to address privacy concerns. The use of the building will be limited to a place of worship with a community hub.