A WAR over water has erupted at a new tomato-growing enterprise in the Borders.

Famed cheesemakers Standhill Farm are broadening their operations near Lilliesleaf to include a new giant 200-metres long glasshouse.

And owner Jim Shanks hopes his prized tomatoes - and the 19 full-time jobs they will support - will be a boost to the rural area.

But residents around the farm believe the thirsty plants - which will drink up to 33,000 litres of water a day - could leave them high and dry.

A total of 14 properties nearby rely on the same bored water source as Standhill.

David Walmsley told this week’s local authority planning meeting that the gallon-guzzling vines will drain the water table during droughts.

He, along with many of his neighbours, cast doubts on the H20 calculations which accompanied the application.

Despite plans to locate two huge reservoir tanks next to the planned glass house, several members of the planning committee agreed with the threat.

Councillor Ian Gillespie said: “I have a problem about there not being enough water.

“The British Tomato Growers suggest any large development like this should be connected to the mains supply.

“I am concerned that 14 households could be left without water.” Monday’s meeting was told that testing had already been carried out.

And that the two rainwater storage tanks could contain enough water to feed the giant greenhouse for up to two months during dry spells.

Mr Shanks also informed the committee that he already had a licence from the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency to draw water from the borehole if required for his current farming operations.

He added: “The project is designed so that it uses water entirely from the roof of the glasshouse.

“We have rainwater storage tanks to store it in time of plenty and to use it in times of need.

“This is a hugely positive project - we are producing high end tomatoes that are a sought after product.

“There is no reason we can’t make this product the pride of the Borders.” The planning committee was told that the application for the 6.9-metre-tall glasshouse met all of the required criteria.

And officers recommended approval of the plans.

But water levels continued to prove a bone of contention.

Selkirkshire councillor Michelle Ballantyne said: “I am in a quandary about this and I can see why the residents have concerns.

“What happens if the water runs out? Who will carry the can?” A motion for further testing was outvoted by members of the committee, who passed the plans by five-to-three.

Planting will take place throughout February with harvest expected to continue between April and November.