A FORMER laundry within an historic former Peebles shooting lodge is to be converted into a pottery workshop.

Applicant Mr A Cunningham has been granted planning approval by Scottish Borders Council to convert an existing outbuilding of Hallmanor House at Manor Valley in Peebles into a workshop, with the provision of a toilet, new window, sink and wood burning stove

The outbuilding is set in the grounds of Hallmanor, a category C listed building of special architectural and historical interest, and was built as a laundry between 1897 and 1906, used by the occupants of the house which was, at the time, a shooting lodge.

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The building has been used for storage for some time and is little altered, with many original features, finishes and evidence of its original use, particularly to the interior, with historic internal tram tracks, bi-fold doors, timber boarding and louvres.

In his report supporting the planning bid, council planning officer Ranald Dods said: “The interest in this building lies in its historic integrity and the evidence for its historic use retained within its layout, finishes and features. These are highly sensitive to loss. The proposal advocates a sensitive approach which seeks to retain this evidence and minimise intervention. This is appropriate and should be continued throughout.”

A heritage statement submitted with the application said: “It is proposed to provide working space for a local ceramic artist who would, for the majority of the time, be the sole user, but occasionally a small number of visitors would be invited to explore the medium of clay in a creative way.”