THE chips are up at a spud farm in the Borders after an expansion bid was rubber-stamped.

Ploughlands Farm at Maxton is the base for a large scale arable and potato farming business.

There have been several temporary portacabins used as the farm office over the years, but never a permanent structure.

Now a planning bid to Scottish Borders Council (SBC) to build office accommodation, incorporating two offices, a store, kitchen and toilet, has been approved.

A statement in support of the application says: “There is a requirement for an office space with welfare facilities for the farm manager, assistant farm manager, part-time secretary, and visitors to site.

“The proposed single storey building will be of timber frame construction and traditional in style. The external walls will be timber clad and the roof finished with corrugated sheeting. These finishes will fit well with the existing farm buildings.”

In her report approving the application, SBC lead planning officer Julie Hayward said: “The planning statement advises that Ploughlands is the base for a large scale arable and potato farming business.

“There have been temporary portacabins in the past used for offices but now there is a requirement for office space and welfare facilities for the manger, assistant manager, secretary and visitors to the farm.

“None of the existing buildings are suitable or economically viable. As the offices would be ancillary, used in connection with the efficient running of the farm, the proposed development can be accepted in this rural location.”