Monday June 16th 2025
Hunters Hall Wetherspoons pub in Galashiels
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
A bid to convert a joiner’s workshop into a home at the heart of Galashiels has been approved – despite concern over the negative impact it could have on the town’s busy Wetherspoons pub.
Scottish Borders Council refused an application for the change of use of the first floor property at 1 Johnston’s Close.
Council environmental officers expressed concern that approval could impact the operation of the adjacent Hunters Hall watering hole.
It was felt that noise from the pub and beer garden could result in issues being raised by the property owner that would “potentially undermine the contribution of the licensed premises to the viability and vitality of this part of the town centre”.
Although measures to reduce noise from the pub would be introduced the flat’s occupiers would still be expected to close windows, even on hot summer nights, to ensure a reduction in noise disturbance.
But when SBC’s Local Review Body met on Monday, June 16, members voted by four to three to overturn the decision and grant approval for the conversion.
The majority of members felt it was a question of “buyer beware” with the applicant being aware of the noise issues they would face and that welcome redevelopment of the vacant site took precedent over any potential issues that may or may not arise in the future.
Councillor Sandy Scott, Conservative for Jedburgh & District, said: “It’s buyer beware. I’m just worried that if we don’t give permission will the place remain empty and will it then deteriorate and I think that if you are going to make that into a house, and it is in the town centre, you’ve got to be aware that you are buying in the town centre, and that’s where all the noise is.”
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