PERMISSION has been refused for two luxury holiday lodges earmarked for a Borders village.

Southampton-based Richard Topping had submitted a planning bid to Scottish Borders Council to build two wooden lodges on land north west of Spital Mains Farmhouse at Paxton.

The aim was to “create a special holiday experience in a rural setting” and to “assist in identifying the demand for luxurious self-catering accommodation for staycationers and ultimately contribute to the development of Berwickshire as a premier UK holiday destination".

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In his report, council assistant planning officer Paul Duncan found that the application was contrary to the council’s Local Development Plan with regards to access issues, in that it would “result in extra vehicular traffic on a sub-standard access to the detriment of road safety”.

Mr Duncan added: “I would agree with the heritage officer that the design of the development does not respond positively to the listed buildings and would be harmful to their setting.”