Friday December 19th 2025
Bakery bid falls flat
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
Plans to demolish a former Hawick bakery and build up to three homes on the site have fallen flat.
A planning bid was submitted to Scottish Borders Council to flatten two vacant buildings at 11 Bourtree Place.
The site was previously a workshop and a bakery, which has been vacant for many years.
It was proposed to clear the site, salvaging as much stone and usable architectural items as possible and to redevelop to provide residential units in the form of one, two or possibly three dwelling houses.
But the application has been refused by SBC after the council’s Heritage and Design Officer objected to the demolition.
A report with the refusal decision, from planning officer Stuart Small, states: “The Heritage and Design officer has highlighted the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997, which states an application for Conservation Area Consent to demolish a building cannot be determined in isolation.
“Where demolition is proposed, the decision-maker must have before them a concurrent planning application for the redevelopment or replacement scheme, so that the full planning consequences and impact on the character of the Conservation Area can be properly assessed.
“A separate planning application has been submitted for the redevelopment of the site to erect two dwelling-houses.
“This application only includes an indicative site layout plan and the Heritage and Design Officer requires a full concurrent planning application to be submitted to allow for proper consideration of the impact on the character and appearance of the conservation area.
“The agent was given the opportunity to withdraw the Planning Permission in Principle (PPP) application and submit a Full Planning Application but they turned this down.
“As such, the limited information submitted as part of the PPP application means that I am unable to make a determination as to whether the redevelopment of the site would be of an acceptable design.”
Refusal comes despite support from a neighbouring property owner, who stated: “As the owner of the adjacent property, I support this application. This site is currently derelict and a new build development will revitalise both it and the area.”
A report with the application, from Edinburgh-based Robert Tams, stated: “The intention is to make positive use of a derelict site, and to create up to three quality residential units in a very accessible location.
“The redevelopment of the buildings and the site in general will greatly enhance the conservation area if developed in the manner outlined.
“It will make excellent use of vacant, near derelict, buildings. The site is within a highly accessible area both with regards to access to public transport and the availability of retail and other services within walking distance.
“In conclusion it is considered that this would be a very positive compatible and sustainable development, and one that will enhance the area.”
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