YURT REFUSAL ‘CRAZY’
Nick Weeks who has has planning permission refused for six yurts in the Ettrick Valley.
THIS week’s decision by councillors to kick out plans for six yurts and a community shop on an Ettrick Valley holiday site, despite the scheme being recommended for approval by officials, has been slammed as ‘nonsense’.
On Monday, Scottish Borders Council planning committee voted 5-4 against proposals from Nicholas Weeks, who wanted to add the yurts – Mongolian-style tents – shop and associated parking to his existing successful holiday cottage business at Newburgh Farm Steading.
There were four objections, but SBC roads officer Derek Inglis said the site in question was “a great location for this type of facility”.
But Councillor Michelle Ballantyne (Selkirkshire, Con) moved against the application as it involved an isolated site with no amenities.
She also cited what she said was a lack of public transport, meaning more traffic and that these people might also bring dogs which she was concerned would affect existing residents.
Fellow Selkirkshire councillor, Vicky Davidson (LD), agreed there were concerns about the possible impact of dogs on nearby sheep farming operations, but doubted the refusal decision would stand up to an appeal.
“Saying this site is too isolated for tourism development is like saying don’t go to the Highlands as it’s too remote,” she told The Wee Paper.
And Malcolm McEwen, from the Gordon Arms Hotel in the Yarrow Valley, said the decision was “total nonsense”.
“If they are going to turn down tourism developments on the basis that those people who might be attracted to them will have cars and dogs, it’s going to do nothing to help the economy of this valley,” he said.
An angry Mr Weeks has confirmed he intends lodging an appeal: “We are trying to attract tourists to the Ettrick Valley in line with the Yarrow and Ettrick Valleys Development Plan, which will benefit all residents of the valleys by helping to keep local pubs, eateries, attractions and shops in business.
“But the valley has become the preserve of the elite Nimby – strictly for the enjoyment of owners who seem to think they have exclusive rights to it.”
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Weather for Selkirk
Sunday 19 May 2013
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