Saturday December 6th 2025
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Marie Sharp
A bid to turn a former British Legion clubhouse into a pub has been given the green light after receiving more letters of support than objections.
Local businessman Peter Henry wants to change the use of the Penicuik social club, on Kirkhill Road in the town, into a public house after the recent closure of two local venues.
He argued the hours of the new venue would be largely similar to the one operated by the Legion, which Midlothian planners said had clearly been a popular club when it began in the Sixties.
A report by planning officers said the proposals had received 13 objections and 21 letters of support. Objectors raised concerns over parking, noise and claims the community was already served by a nearby bowling club and cricket club.
Supporters of the application argued it will bring life back to the area, encourage community spirit and bring the building back into use.
Applying for the change of use of the property, on Kirkhill Road, Mr Henry said: “Penicuik has recently lost the former Railway Tavern and the Navaar House Hotel nearby together with the closure of these British Legion premises.
“It is often argued, with some justification, that ‘pubs’ help to foster a feeling of community and work well as meeting places.
“The central location, right on a bus route, is appropriate – on site parking cannot be provided but nonetheless easy access without the need for cars is available to a large potential clientèle in the area.”
The Railway Tavern was more recently known as Haigs Bar before being converted into a cocktail lounge called Mother’s Kitchen and Gin, which closed during the pandemic.
The Navaar House Hotel, which is next to the police station on Bog Road, announced its closure at the end of last year.
Recommending the application for approval, planning officers said the social club may have operated in a reduced capacity in recent years but its lengthy existence and the size of the premises indicate that it clearly operated at a much higher capacity for the majority of its existence.
They said: “Had the club been operating at its former levels in recent years the impact on residential amenity and parking demand would have been similar to that of a successful pub.
“The proposed change of use will not result in any loss of amenity, through noise or parking issues, when compared to the situation had the club been operating to its lawful full capacity.”
They added: “Pubs in residential areas have declined in recent years, due to market conditions, however they remain common, popular and valued features of many local communities.
“The proposed use will provide a sustainable re-use of a long established building and will provide residents of the surrounding area with a local facility that has the potential to become a successful community resource.”
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