A SHAKE-UP of parking provision and storage facilities at a Peeblesshire hotel has been rubber-stamped – despite the moves raising the hackles of some of its neighbours.

A planning bid was submitted to Scottish Borders Council for four timber-clad storage containers, alterations to parking provision, the formation of a new parking area and the erection of timber fencing at the Glentress Hotel.

But the application raised objections from neighbours living in Eshiels.

Concerns were raised at the size of the containers and claims were made that the new parking provision removed a ‘buffer zone’ between the hotel and residents’ homes.

One objector, Neil Wilson, of Kirn Law, said: “We are concerned about the proposed parking area for three vehicles at the north end of the area.

“As local residents we feel that this space currently creates a pleasant buffer zone to the residential properties and parking spaces will draw the commercial area of the hotel parking space further towards the residential properties.”

Another neighbour – Kenneth Pugh, of Glentress Heights – in a submission to council planning officer Ranald Dods, said: “The applicant is already running a bicycle hire business which encourages more use, especially by cyclists, of the only access road to the six residential properties nearby.

“The applicant has also tried to provide a beer garden with tables and seating placed on the edge of the access road which you have already stated is operating far beyond capacity.

“To add insult to injury the applicant is also asking for extra parking spaces on an extremely tight corner which can only be described as highly dangerous and totally irresponsible.”

In his report approving the application, Mr Dods, said: “The Glentress is a long-established hotel business and the proposed development would not be detrimental to the amenity of local residents.

“The introduction of storage containers – two out of four being in retrospect – and staff parking bays, both for use by the hotel business, would not be detrimental to privacy.

“The proposed containers to the north of the hotel are well screened and would be sited within an area of existing hard-standing and would not be visible from the public realm.

“On balance, it would be appropriate to grant permission for five years in order to maintain some control over their future visual appearance and resulting impact.”