GO-AHEAD has been given for a new beauty salon in Galashiels despite concern of a over-proliferation of such outlets locally.

An application submitted to Scottish Borders Council (SBC) for the change of use of a flat of 104 St Andrew Street has been granted approval.

The application generated one letter of objection from a local resident, who wrote: “The change of use serves no benefit to the community as there are numerous salons in the local area.

“Parking is a constant issue, there are three disabled bays for example within 100 yards that may or not be used by the clients if they are struggling for parking.”

But in his report approving the application, Carlos Clarke, SBC’s lead planning officer, concluded: “The fact there are other salons, as noted by the objector, is not a justifiable planning reason to prevent this proposal.

“I do not consider there to be a determinative conflict with policy as a result.”

A submission with the application says: “The property is currently a one-bed, ground floor flat situated in central Galashiels.

“The surrounding area is a mixture of residential houses and shops/salons. My client wishes to change the property into a beauty salon.

“The existing living room and bedroom would each become a beauty room and hair room respectively, the existing bathroom would have a toilet and basin and the kitchen will remain to house the boiler, as well as having a sink.”