CONCERN that an area of the Borders was ‘losing its heart and soul’ have failed to prevent a new holiday let bid getting the green light.

Scottish Borders Council has agreed the conversion of a garage north of 51 Roxburgh Street, Kelso into holiday accommodation.

The bid raised concerns for Tanya Campbell, of nearby Bowmont Street, who noted the changing nature of her neighbourhood in recent years.

She said: “Out of my immediate eight neighbours, five houses are already holiday let and there are others nearby.

“This part of the town is already losing its heart and soul. While I appreciate the need for visitors to the town, I feel this area is already over-subscribed.”

However, Kelso Community Council offered its support to the change of use.

And council assistant planning officer Euan Calvert also agreed the application, which was submitted by Sorcha Ramsay, of the Ragged School Forge in Roxburgh Street, Kelso.

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He stated that the development could add to the “vibrancy and footfall” of the area.

Mr Calvert added: “The proposal will protect the building from deterioration and a portion will remain as garaging. Holiday let accommodation will contribute positively to the social and economic infrastructure of the town centre.

“I acknowledge the concerns raised about proliferation of holiday lets properties in this area. However, there are no planning restrictions or material considerations in this instance.

“The proposal is for minor alterations to the elevations comprising introducing a window opening on the north west boundary, a pedestrian doorway to the courtyard elevation, solar panels to the inner pitch, and potentially changes to the roof-lights. The proposed residential access in this application will be taken from a lane between 51 and 53 Roxburgh Street in future.

“I am satisfied that the change to holiday accommodation will not conflict with the surrounding retail/office or residential uses. The property is presently domestic in its appearance and use as such will be compatible with these surrounding uses in a predominantly residential setting.

“I do not anticipate there to be any conflict between the neighbouring retail use and prospective holiday accommodation use. Holiday accommodation use may even contribute to the vibrancy and footfall of this retailing zone.”