The Local Review Body met on Monday 15 June 2026 to consider several planning appeals. The committee upheld the appointed officer's decision to refuse an application for a dwellinghouse and garage on land east of Roundel Station Road, Gordon, citing concerns about landscape impact and the loss of prime agricultural land. Similarly, an appeal for a dwellinghouse west of Nenthorn House, Nenthorn, was refused due to concerns about its relationship to the existing building group, its impact on the designed landscape, and its prominence in the rural area. In contrast, the appeal for the conversion of a barn west of Oakwood House, Allanton, into a dwellinghouse was overturned, with the committee approving the proposal subject to conditions.

Erection of Dwellinghouse and Detached Garage on Land East of Roundel Station Road, Gordon

The Local Review Body upheld the appointed officer's decision to refuse planning permission for the erection of a dwellinghouse and detached garage on land east of Roundel Station Road, Gordon. The primary reasons for refusal were that the proposed development would have an adverse impact on the landscape character, be visually detached from the settlement of Gordon, and not relate to an existing building group. Furthermore, the proposal was considered to result in the permanent loss of prime quality agricultural land. Despite the applicant's arguments regarding the site's topography and the accuracy of mapping data, the committee agreed with the officer's assessment that the development was contrary to Policy 17 of the National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) and Policies PMD4, HD2, and ED10 of the Scottish Borders Local Development Plan 2024¹.

Erection of Dwellinghouse with Access and Associated Work on Land West of Nenthorn House, Nenthorn

The committee upheld the appointed officer's decision to refuse planning permission for the erection of a dwellinghouse with access and associated work on land west of Nenthorn House, Nenthorn. The refusal was based on the proposal not being well related to the existing building group, being outwith natural and man-made boundaries, and constituting sporadic development in the countryside. Concerns were also raised about the adverse effect on the character and appearance of the rural area and the designed landscape of Nenthorn House. The committee agreed that the siting, scale, and design were out of keeping and unsympathetic to the character of the building group and the wider rural area, contrary to Policy HD2 of the Local Development Plan 2024² and Policy 17 of NPF4.

Change of Use, Alterations and Extension to Form Dwellinghouse from Barn at Barn West of Oakwood House, Allanton

The Local Review Body overturned the appointed officer's decision and granted planning permission for the change of use, alterations, and extension to form a dwellinghouse from a barn west of Oakwood House, Allanton. The committee found that the building had architectural merit, was capable of conversion, and that the proposed alterations and extension were in keeping with its scale and character. The decision was made subject to conditions, including a requirement for a site investigation and risk assessment for potential contamination, and ecological enhancements. The committee also noted that while the proposal was for a conversion, the applicants had provided a personal supporting statement detailing their need to live on-site to manage their agricultural enterprise, which was a material consideration³.

Alterations and Extension to Dwellinghouse and Installation of Carport at Elmsfield, Broughton

The committee upheld the appointed officer's decision to refuse planning permission for alterations and an extension to a dwellinghouse and the installation of a carport at Elmsfield, Broughton. The reasons for refusal included the design of the extension being unsympathetic to the existing building and detrimental to the character of the area, the potential for the extension to function as a separate residential unit, and the lack of consideration for the impact on mature trees. Councillors expressed concerns about the design, particularly the scale and prominence of the dormer windows, and the lack of an internal connection between the existing house and the proposed extension, which could lead to it functioning as a separate unit. The committee agreed that the officers had made the correct decision in upholding the refusal⁴.

Erection of Replacement Dwellinghouse at Slitrig Cottage, Langburnshiels, Hawick

The Local Review Body upheld the appointed officer's decision to refuse planning permission for the erection of a replacement dwellinghouse at Slitrig Cottage, Langburnshiels, Hawick. The refusal was based on the proposed dwelling's height, form, massing, design, and materials not respecting the existing dwelling or the character of the surrounding area, and failing to make a positive contribution to the landscape. Additionally, insufficient information was provided regarding the potential impact on bats, a European Protected Species. The committee agreed with the case officer's assessment that the proposal was contrary to Policy HD2 and PMD2 of the Local Development Plan 2024, and Policy 17 of NPF4, and that the ecological concerns could not be adequately addressed by conditions⁵.