PLANS to create a gourmet cooking school at a Galashiels guest house have been unveiled.

Maplehurst Cooking Academy & Fine Dining Club Ltd, incorporated as a limited company earlier this year, has applied for a drinks licence to facilitate the new venture at the eponymous Edwardian building in Abbotsford Road.

Mine hosts Peter and Silke Gruber, who took over the boutique guest house last year, have told Scottish Borders Licensing Board they need the licence for their academy and to accommodate special gourmet evenings and small events.

The couple, who are also offering a carry-out food service, want the ability to serve drink on the premises from 11am till midnight on weekdays and until 1am on Friday and Saturday. They have simultaneously applied for an off-sales licence from 10am till 10pm.

Mr and Mrs Gruber’s operating plan includes a large area of the adjacent garden grounds, suitable for the erection of a marquee, for “external alcohol consumption”.

But concerns have been raised about the possible adverse impact on neighbours.

“Given the proposed hours for consumption on the premises and the proximity of neighbouring properties, we request that the outside area could be best managed by the use of occasional licences,” states a letter from the police.

A similar plea has come from licensing standards officer Ian Tunnah.

“It would appear the large lawn area is intended to accommodate such events as weddings,” says Mr Tunnah. “I have serious concerns that a marquee, with live or recorded music, could give cause for complaint from residents in neighbouring properties.” Mr Tunnah wants the lawn area excluded from the licensed footprint. “Thereafter, any intended use for events there should be by means of an occasional licence application.” In their bid, which will be determined at Friday’s meeting of the board, the Grubers give an assurance that the sale of alcohol will be restricted to residents, those attending the academy and guests at pre-arranged functions.

The Maplehurst website explains: “As the new owners, we are bringing our own unique foodie twist, thanks to Peter’s love of cooking and fine dining as a professional chef.” Built in 1906 for local mill-owner Andrew Fairgrieve, Maplehurst retains many of its original internal features – including tapestries, oak paneling and a stained glass window – all considered fine examples of the Scottish Arts and Crafts style.