Thursday March 26th 2026
Scottish Borders Council headquarters
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
A new 25-seat cafe on a Borders farm aimed at tourists, cyclists and walkers has been given the green light.
An historic vacant farm steading at Teviothaugh in Minto Road at Denholm is to undergo a sensitive conversion.
The application for the change of use came from Sunderland-based Jaqueline Atkinson.
Scottish Borders Council assistant planning officer Alla Hassan, in his report approving the application, states: “Due to the positioning of the proposal in relation to the neighbouring properties, there are considered to be no significant adverse impacts in terms of noise, cooking odour or general activity associated with the proposal.
“The proposal involves the replacement of the existing steel roof sheeting, the reuse of the existing fenestration, incorporation of new timber sliding doors, a new large glazed area to the rear, and the re-pointing of the stonework.
“The works are considered to be minimal and sympathetic to the original structure.”
A supporting statement with the application said: “The proposed development represents a sustainable re-use of this redundant rural building, retaining all of its valued external and internal features and character.
“The steading building dates back over 100 years and is of significant architectural and historic merit, constructed from local stone with a pitched corrugated iron roof.
“The proposed conversion works will sensitively retain all of these defining external characteristics, including the original stone walls, barn doors, roof form and materials. Internally, the defining features such as the exposed stone cross walls and roof trusses will also be retained.
“This will preserve the special architectural interest and distinct rural character of the building in accordance with national and local policies.
“The coffee shop will provide an attractive rural destination meeting local demand as well as tourists and visitors taking part in outdoor pursuits like walking and cycling in the area.”
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