The Local Review Body of Scottish Borders Council met on Monday 19 October 2026 to consider three planning appeals. The committee voted to overturn the appointed officer's recommendation for refusal and uphold an appeal for the installation of self-storage containers near Lauder. They also voted to overturn the appointed officer's refusal and uphold an appeal for the installation of condensing units at a convenience store in 1 Drumland Lake Place. Finally, the committee unanimously voted to refuse an appeal for a change of use of a workshop and erection of a summer house at Maple House in Town, Yetom.

Self-Storage Containers Near Lauder

The committee voted to overturn the appointed officer's decision to refuse planning permission for the installation of 76 self-storage containers on undeveloped land within woodland south of Lauder. The appointed officer had raised concerns about the proposal's impact on the rural character of the area, the potential for an undesirable precedent, and the visual impact of the containers.

However, councillors felt that the development would support economic diversification, a key council policy. Councillor Scott stated, I think policy ED7, this policy confirms that development can take place outwith settlements where economic activity and diversification can take place. Councillors also noted that the site had been cleared due to storm damage and that the proposed tree planting would enhance the area. While the appointed officer had concerns about the visual impact, councillors believed that mitigation measures such as green-coloured containers, bunding, and new planting would be sufficient. Councillor Thomson suggested considering opening hours, but the committee ultimately decided against imposing restrictions, with Councillor Scott noting that it polices itself. Conditions were agreed upon, including limiting the use to Class 6 storage and distribution, specifying the number and size of containers, and requiring a detailed replacement planting scheme.

Condensing Units at 1 Drumland Lake Place

The committee voted to overturn the appointed officer's refusal of retrospective planning permission for two condensing units on the north-east elevation of a property at 1 Drumland Lake Place. The appointed officer had cited concerns about the visual impact of the units, describing them as conspicuous and incongruous and detrimental to the street scene.

However, councillors felt that the units were an economic necessity for the existing convenience store business. Councillor Douglas commented, I think the removal of those units would cause great problems to that business and the continuation of that business to supply in that community. While acknowledging the visual impact, councillors noted that there were no objections from the neighbouring property or the council's Environmental Health Service. Conditions were agreed upon requiring the submission of a scheme to paint the condensing units to match the elevation of the building and to box in the cabling. Concerns were also raised about a street sign being obscured by one of the units, and it was agreed that this would be addressed with the council's roads department.

Change of Use and Summer House at Maple House, Town, Yetom

The committee unanimously voted to refuse an appeal for a partial change of use of an existing private workshop to a mixed light commercial use and the erection of a summer house at Maple House, Town, Yetom. The appointed officer had refused the application on the grounds that the proposed commercial use would conflict with the established residential land use of the area, detract from the amenity of the surrounding area, and potentially lead to noise and privacy issues.

Councillors expressed concerns that the proposal represented a creep towards overturning the original conditions that had been placed on the property when it was built, which prohibited commercial operations. Councillor Scott stated, I think the proposals would be contrary to Policies PMD 5, infill development of the Local Development Plan 2024, in that commercial use would conflict with the established land use of the area and would detract from the amenity of the surrounding area. Concerns were also raised about the intensification of use, the potential for future changes of ownership to exacerbate the issue, and the fact that there are designated sites for commercial development within the village. The proposed summer house was also viewed as a way to circumvent the restrictions on the workshop's use.