Wednesday February 18th 2026
Burnhouse Cottage, Burnhouse Farm, Stow, Galasheils
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
A bid to demolish a derelict Borders farm cottage thought to date back to the early 17th century has been rejected after it was deemed that approval would create an unwelcome precedent.
Plans were submitted to Scottish Borders Council to flatten Burnhouse Cottage at Burnhouse Farm in Stow and build a new dwelling house on the site.
Located north of the vacant and disused farm hub, the proposed site is currently occupied by a derelict building comprising of natural stone walls and profile metal roof.
The property, previously utilized as a farm cottage, has been unoccupied for an extended period of time, and as a result is in poor condition; evident from the partial collapse to the southern side thatched byre
The applicants, Julia and James Campbell, argued the proposal would “revitalise a derelict site”.
But the application has been refused for being an “inherently unsustainable means of countryside development”.
In his report, Carlos Clarke, SBC lead planning officer, states: “Ultimately, it is recognised that the proposal would achieve a house in the countryside, and that is beneficial in terms of the current housing emergency. It would also do so in a respectful manner.
“However, policy regulates such housing in order to manage the pressure that such developments can cumulatively have on its character.
“To approve this development despite this principal requirement not being met would be potentially unsustainable since it implies that deteriorating former houses that have not been maintained over the course of decades and have now reached a state of substantial dereliction as a result are now suitable sites for new replacement houses.
“That is an inherently unsustainable means of countryside development.”
A report in support of the application stated: “Our proposals will not be detrimental to the biodiversity of the surrounding area.
“Utilising the existing brownfield location for the site of the proposed building, reduce the required loss of greenfield land.
“The proposals will have a landscaped garden which will include a varied mixture of plants, shrubs and trees native to the local area which will utilise a mix of leaf, textures, heights and flowers to create an aesthetically pleasing zone and compliment the proposed development and provide homes and food for a range of wildlife.
“Care has been taken to ensure that the design is in keeping with the existing cottage, ensuring that we not only comply with policy, but also with the surrounding traditional vernacular architecture.”
There was evidence that the cottage had ties with the Clan Pringle and that in May, 1607, John Pringle visited the property.
The report adds: “This is strong evidence of the building being utilized as a property even back then.
“Another clear indication of the building being a property is the fenestration, typical for a historic cottage ‘door flanked by two windows’ style.
“In addition, the property features two built in fireplaces, one either side, highly typical of a historic cottage.”
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