THE boss of a construction firm who has had a retrospective planning application refused faces eviction, threatening up to 16 jobs.

Ewan Irvine told Peebles Community Council (PCC) of his bid to Scottish Borders Council (SBC) for permission for his construction yard, which has operated since 2018.

In April last year Irvine Plant Ltd applied for change of use – from class four ‘business’ to class six ‘plant hire and builder’s yard’ – at his White Bridge Park unit, in Kingsmeadows Road, Peebles.

But earlier this month SBC refused to grant permission.

Mr Irvine said: “I have 16 staff who are all local, except one, and six other contractors.

“Our yard at White Bridge Park near Cavalry Park has three bays and we have been there seven years.”

In a report, an SBC spokesperson said: “Whilst the principle of a building on the site has been established, that was accepted on the basis that it be restricted to only class four (light industry) and that there be no open storage on the site.

“This was on the basis that the visual quality of the area was not adversely affected.

“The application is made in retrospect to change the use of the building and create a builder’s yard and plant hire business, within class six (storage and distribution).”

They added: “The proposed change of use from class four to class six would be unjustified development outwith an industrial area and within the countryside of a use which is more suited to a site within a settlement.

“The development has had a negative impact on the landscape setting of the Tweed Valley special landscape area and, adopting the precautionary principle, is likely to have a negative effect on ecology.”

PCC chairman Peter Maudsley said the community council would write a supporting letter, with Tweeddale East councillor Robin Tatler also voicing his backing for the yard.

Last Thursday (July 18) Mr Maudsley joined Irvine Plant Ltd’s planning agent, Peter MacLeod, on a site visit.

Mr Irvine said that when advertisements were sent out about the retrospective planning application there was not one objection.

Mr Maudsley said: “There is nowhere else in Peebles that’s suitable.

“You are not in anyone’s way, it is exactly the best place for the business.”

Mr Irvine has three months to appeal SBC’s decision and Mr MacLeod is preparing the paperwork.