AN APPEAL against the council’s decision to reject plans for a holiday cabin development in rural Peeblesshire has been lodged.

The proposal for “three unique self-catering units with uninterrupted views over the Upper Tweed landscape” at Corstane Farm, Broughton, was filed with the local authority last summer.

But the bid was refused by Scottish Borders Council (SBC) planners.

It was deemed that “insufficient information” had been given to show it could be operated as a “viable” business at the location, while concerns were raised over the development not respecting the character of its surroundings.

Planners also took issue with the proposed project breaking into an undeveloped field, rather than using a location closer to the farm.

Now an appeal has been submitted which is due to be considered at next week’s Local Review Body.

A statement, put forward on behalf of the applicant by Ferguson Planning, said: “The proposed development seeks to provide self-contained holiday accommodation cabins in a desirable rural location, as a form of farm diversification.

“It is acknowledged the Scottish Borders economy has suffered in recent years with the decline in the once-thriving design and textile industry, along with the increasing requirement for local farmers to diversify in order to support their rural business.

“The proposal will provide an opportunity to create jobs for local tradesmen during the construction phase of the development. Again, the proposal will also support local cleaning and maintenance businesses once operating as holiday accommodation.

“In addition to this, visitors to the proposed cabins will support local business and services within Broughton, contributing towards the local economy and the development principle of the 2017 Borders Tourism Action Plan.”

It added: “Corstane Farm Cabins is a farm diversification project that aims to capitalise on the countryside setting in which it surrounds, giving guests the opportunity to take short breaks and holidays within the Scottish Borders.

“The nature of this proposal has an inherent requirement for a countryside location. The ethos is to enable that ‘getting away from it all’ experience in a truly unique setting, contributing to the tourist accommodation the Scottish Borders has to offer.”

The statement said that “careful consideration” had gone into the design of the proposed new cabin and shepard hut, along with the conversion of the existing cabin.

It added that the position of the site had been chosen to achieve “optimal views of the surrounding countryside” and to allow “considerable separation distances” to enhance privacy.

The appeal will be discussed at the meeting on Monday (February 20).