Midlem: Backing for cottage extension in picturesque village

Midlem is a small, hilltop village located three miles east of Selkirk.

Dating back to the 12th century, the idyllic village was originally a centre for linen manufacture.

​Today, Midlem is a quiet, peaceful location noted for its many traditional, vernacular-style buildings gathered around the large village green.

A planning bid was approved last week to alter and extend Croft Cottage to create an open plan kitchen-dining, living space and utility room.

But the application had raised the hackles of some in the village, who claimed the extension was too modernistic and obtrusive.

One objector said: “This is a very modern structure dominating over the original and unique Croft Cottage.

“This property, with its traditional construction, positively contributes to the Midlem Conservation Area.

“Villagers are mindful of their responsibility to their neighbours when considering any alterations that affect them and face onto the Green. Midlem village has always been viewed as the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ of the Borders as it has kept its Medieval structure and conservation has always been carefully considered.”

In his report approving the application, Alla Hassan, SBC’s assistant planning officer, says: “Amendments were sought during the processing of the application to address concerns raised by the officer and local residents.

“This involved the removal of the first floor dormer window to avoid any overlooking to the adjoining neighbour.

“The proposed extension and alterations are considered to be acceptable in terms of overall scale, form and design and will maintain a subservient relationship to the host dwelling.

“Furthermore, due to the positioning of the single-storey extension being set back from the public vantage points of the Conservation Area, there is considered to be no harm to the character and appearance of the Conservation Area as a result of the proposal.”