The Planning and Building Standards Committee of Scottish Borders Council met on Monday 07 September 2026. The committee considered several planning applications, including variations to conditions at Glenfinn Quarry, a change of use of a workshop to a dwellinghouse at Cavers, and the conversion of a beauty salon and ancillary building into two dwellinghouses at Hawkslee, Newtown St Boswells.

Glenfinn Quarry, Cockburnspath

The committee considered a Section 42 application to vary conditions 1 and 11 of a previous planning permission for Glenfinn Quarry. The variations proposed a reduction in the maximum floor depth of the quarry to 164 metres Above Ordnance Datum (AOD) across both Area A and Area B, and a revision to the siting and design of the amenity bunds. These changes were intended to accommodate evolving working practices and allow for more efficient extraction of high-quality stone.

The application was brought before the committee due to the proposed changes affecting the quarry's floor level and the amenity bund, which is situated near the Ewieside Hill Fort Scheduled Monument. Historic Environment Scotland and the Council's Archaeology Officer were satisfied that the revised proposals would not adversely affect the setting of the Scheduled Monument, with the revised bund providing suitable screening. The applicants confirmed that the changes would not extend the quarry's operational life or exceed current extraction limits, and that the phased extraction and restoration process would be maintained.

The decision was made subject to a legal agreement for a bond to secure the restoration of the site and several planning conditions. These include maintaining the new maximum floor depth, ensuring the timely completion and maintenance of the revised amenity bund, and the submission of a detailed restoration and aftercare scheme. All other conditions from the original consent 14/01186/MIN and subsequent variations remain in place.

Plot 1 (workshop), Cavers, Hawick

The committee considered the change of use of a workshop to a dwellinghouse at Plot 1, northeast of the stable block, Cavers, Hawick. The proposal involved alterations and a storey and a half extension to the existing building, which is located within the Teviot Valleys Special Landscape Area.

The application had attracted eight letters of representation, primarily concerning water supply, access, traffic, visual impact, and overdevelopment. However, the Roads Planning Service raised no objections, subject to conditions regarding parking and the provision of a passing place on the private access road. Scottish Water confirmed sufficient capacity for a mains water connection, and a condition was attached to ensure adequate water supply arrangements. The Council's Ecology Officer raised no objections, subject to a condition requiring a Species Protection Plan for bats and biodiversity enhancements.

The committee noted that the building was substantially intact and capable of conversion, aligning with National Planning Framework 4's policy on the reuse of existing buildings. The proposed alterations were considered sympathetic to the building's character, retaining existing stone piers and slate roof. A legal agreement was also required to address developer contributions towards education facilities.

Beauty Salon and Ancillary Building, Hawkslee, Newtown St Boswells

The committee considered the change of use of a beauty salon and ancillary building at Hawkslee, Newtown St Boswells, to form two dwellinghouses. The proposal involved the demolition of a central storage shed to create a courtyard and minor external alterations, including an enlarged dormer and new windows and doors.

The site is located within the National Scenic Area and the development boundary of Newtown St Boswells. The proposal was considered to be consistent with the existing uses in the surrounding area and would not prejudice the long-term development of the allocated business and industrial site. The external alterations were deemed minor and in keeping with the character of the building and its surroundings.

Concerns regarding developer contributions were addressed, with the applicant demonstrating that the full contribution would render the project economically unviable. Following consultation with the District Valuer, a reduced contribution of £25,000 was agreed, balancing the need for infrastructure funding with the viability of the development. The decision was made subject to a legal agreement for these contributions and several planning conditions, including those related to site investigation for potential contamination and ecological enhancements.