PLANS to turn Melrose’s only designated theatre into an art gallery are being backed by Scottish Borders Council.

The Border Telegraph revealed earlier this year that a deal had been reached between the current owners of the Wynd Theatre and a local artist.

And plans were afoot to turn the redundant venue into a gallery and studio.

Despite growing opposition from within Melrose theatre circles, the application for a change-of-use, which goes before the committee on Monday, is being recommended for approval by planning bosses.

Planning officer Carlos Clarke stated: “Though the loss of the existing theatre use is to be regretted, it is not an historic theatre and there is no firm evidence that its reinstatement is likely in the foreseeable future.

“The proposed use would comprise a cultural attraction that would contribute positively to the town centre by occupying a property that has been vacant for over a year.

“A decision to refuse permission would be provide no guarantee that the theatre use would be reinstated and may result in the building remaining empty, so detracting from the vitality of the town centre more generally.” The Wynd Theatre first opened its doors in 1995.

The former bedding factory was converted into an 82-seated auditorium with lounge area and toilets by its initial owner Felix Sear.

Mr Sear sold off three adjoining first floor flats and the lounge area in 2005. And a former London lawyer and his wife, Mark and Jo Clough, bought the theatre.

The Wynd closed last year after struggling to make a profit and has been on the open market ever since at offers around £99,500.

The owners received three offers - none which they deemed viable - over the past 12 months.

But an agreement was reached in the spring with St Boswells artist Kerr Rodgie, who studied at Grays School of Art in Aberdeen.

Although an action group has formed in Melrose in a bid to maintain the Wynd as a theatre, it appears that they have run out of time.

Mr Clarke added: “The action group themselves have confirmed they have been interested in the property for some time, though there have apparently been delays in meeting the sellers.

“They have been asked by this department to confirm whether if/when they would have the funds available to purchase the property and, at the time of writing, have not been able to confirm their intentions.

“While it would be ideal to provide a local group with time to be able to purchase the property, there is clearly no definitive timescale for doing so.

“In the meantime, the property has been on the open market for over a year, and the current proposal represents the first serious offer made to purchase the premises.” A total of 12 objections to the change-of-use application were tabled.

Amongst the protesters were the The Theatres Trust. A spokesman said: “Though the Trust recognises the importance of investment and regeneration in town centres, where a new use is proposed for a former community or cultural facility, the Trust always advises the local authority that it must be satisfied the building is surplus to the cultural requirements of the local community before granting the new use.

“This is because community or cultural buildings often occupy sites within town centres or local neighbourhoods where another use would be more lucrative and once lost within the catchment, they are virtually impossible to replace.

“The Trust is aware there is a need for a small scale venue in the area and that there is local community interest in reopening the theatre to fulfil this need.” The Wynd Theatre building, which sits on a pedestrian vennel between Buccleuch Street and the High Street, was originally an armoury for the Border Light Horse Brigade in the late 19th century.

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