Published: Wednesday, 21st November, 2007 12:30
Chocolate factory plan for valley
By David Knox and Atholl Innes
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THE Yarrow Valley is set to have its very own Willy Wonka.
But you won’t need a golden ticket to visit farmer Robert Wallum’s sweet-tasting vision for his rural fields.
The Borders businessman is hoping to turn his five hectares of land into a tourist village – with chalets, houses, a bunkhouse, shop, restaurant, bar . . .
and his very own chocolate factory.
Plans were submitted to Scottish Borders Council last week for outline permission at the Berrybush.
Stunning Borders knitwear dating from the 1970s was found – as good as new – in a German attic.
Full story on Page 5.
Photo by Angus Blackburn Mr Wallum told the Border Telegraph: “It is at the very early stage at present, but the plans are to fit in with the long-term Forestry Commission proposals.
“I have thought long and hard about it and will not be rushing it. If planning permission is given, I plan to develop the project gradually.” The plans are to build the village with a chocolate factory, micro brewery and an ice cream plant.
As well as creating his own holiday resort with 28 chalets, Mr Wallum wants to build 10 affordable houses to sell to potential employees.
Once fully operational the site will create at least 11 full-time jobs.
If successful with his planning bid, Mr Wallum will provide heating and hot water for the site using woodchips from local forestry harvesting.
And he is also looking at using renewable energy for his electricity supply.
Pamela McMahon, Area Director for VisitScotland Borders, welcomed the proposals.
She told the Border Telegraph: “Tourism is vital to the economy of the Borders and any quality development which will attract visitors to the area and assist in our national goal to increase the value of tourism by 50 per cent by 2015 must be welcomed.
“I understand this development is adopting a sensitive approach to the environment and the surrounding area, and this is vitally important as over 90 per cent of visitors to Scotland cite scenery as the main reason to visit.
“I am looking forward to finding out more about this project in due course,” she added.
Mr Wallum added: “I am very excited about it and I would hope to be able to start work on the project in the Spring.”
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