COUNCILLORS will next week be urged to approve plans to transform part of a Tweeddale mansion house and its 25-acre estate into a wedding venue – despite local objections.

Mike and Stephanie Goddard, owners of Hartree House, which lies close to the Lanarkshire county border 18 miles west of Peebles, want to host up to 15 wedding events each year.

They intend erecting teepees on the lawn in front of their home, which dates back to 1790 and, until 2000, operated as a hotel, having previously been a hospital.

Accommodation for guests will be provided in a penthouse and a neighbouring lodge. Temporary chemical toilets will be arranged at each event.

The change of use application will be considered by Scottish Borders Council’s planning and building standards committee on Monday.

And, despite eight objections from neighbours, local planning officer Dorothy Amyes is recommending that the bid is approved.

In a supporting statement, agents for the Goddards say the proposal will “augment the overall business plan” for the estate which the couple purchased in 2008 and which also supports fruit growing.

They add: “When the applicants purchased the house, the property was in very poor condition.

“Over the last eight years, the costs incurred in the renovation of the buildings and grounds have amounted to around £1.5m.

"Most of this has been retained within the local economy. Through this investment and commitment, they have safeguarded the future of one of the Scottish Borders’ historic country houses.”

The statement stresses the benefits to the local economy if the new planning application is approved – including caterers sourcing local produce, jobs being created and the knock-on benefits to nearby hotels and B&Bs from wedding guests.

Most of the dissenting neighbours live in Hartree Square which lies 200 metres south of the site.

They have expressed concern about the adverse impact on their amenity of noise from the teepees.

But Mrs Amyes notes that the council’s environmental health officers, having carried out a noise assessment, has lodged no objection.

She is recommending consent should be granted for a period of two years with conditions.