BUSINESSES could be forced to move out of the area if they want to expand, according to a Tweeddale councillor.

Stuart Bell (SNP), who represents Tweeddale East, is calling on SBC to intervene after a planning application by one local business was rejected for a second time.

The bid by Ally Brown, of Dolphinton-based Bordermix, to move his concrete suppliers firm out of the village to a site accessed directly from the A702 was refused permission by the SBC planning committee on Monday (August 7).

Concerns had been raised by planning chiefs over the visual impact of the plans and a visit was made to the new site.

It was Mr Brown’s the second attempt to expand, having spent thousands on trying to relocate locally in 2013.

Councillor Bell told the Peeblesshire News: “I am very disappointed that the Bordermix application to relocate out of Dolphinton has been rejected by the SBC planning committee. 

“This is the second time that Alastair Brown has tried to find a new location for his business. 

“I know that he is very keen that the business remains in the local area, but he cannot find a suitable site. 

“The fundamental failure is that Scottish Borders Council do not have enough designated industrial sites in Tweeddale, and this is a particularly acute problem in the Western part of Tweeddale, from Peebles to West Linton.”

“Whilst there are identified sites with the appropriate designation in the Local Plan, it is my assertion that some landowners are blocking sites from being used. The widespread speculation is that landowners are keener to promote housing sites because they know that this gives them a bigger profit.

“The net result is that even existing business might have to move out of the area in order to expand. I call on the Scottish Borders Council to intervene in this situation which will just result in more houses with few local jobs.”