Tuesday March 10th 2026
Wakefield House, West Linton
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
Top tourism organisations are urging Scottish Borders Council to make a U-turn and approve plans for a five-star wellness retreat in West Linton.
The proposed retreat at Wakefield House is being progressed by a small local family business, Davoch Developments Ltd.
The aims is to create a hub with six cabins on land next to Wakefield House, which has been a holiday let home in recent years.
A planning application to deliver this was refused by council officers under delegated powers in October 2025 and Davoch Developments has now been appealed this decision to SBC’s Local Review Body, which meets on Monday, March 16.
Scottish Tourism Alliance, South of Scotland Destination Alliance and UK Hospitality Scotland, which all have a strong mandate to develop the Borders’ economy and attract investment to the region, have urged councillors to support the planning application.
VisitScotland has separately provided a note of support for the application.
Additionally, local councillor Drummond Begg, Lib Dem for Tweeddale West, has given his backing to the application, which has also received majority support in terms of comments received.
The development will comprise a wellness hub to the rear of the current Wakefield House with six cabins on land adjacent to the house.
This small, high-end development will provide five-star, nature and wellness-focused accommodation.
The applicant says visitors are seeking higher-quality outdoor accommodation and that the development will help meet this demand and develop the Scottish Borders as a world-class destination.
Activities and workshops offered in the wellness hub will be available for members of the public to book onto.
The developer says the proposal will create local employment, and will be within walking/cycling distance of the village centre, boosting existing village centre shops and services.
The application was refused on the grounds that the increased traffic associated with this development would negatively impact road and pedestrian safety.
A spokesperson for Davoch Developments Ltd said: “We greatly welcome the support we have had from these organisations, who have recognised the contribution of this development to the Borders economy.
“Our wellness retreat at Wakefield House provides a fantastic opportunity for the Scottish Borders, which has been frequently ignored as a destination, often due to a lack of high-quality outdoor accommodation, and will boost bed nights and spend in the region.
“While the key reason for refusal relates to traffic impact, this makes little sense as the previous approval of a shooting lodge, which was never built and 20-bed hotel developments at North Slipperfield, would have generated greater traffic than what is being proposed.
“This is exactly the type of considered, proportional, and sympathetic tourist development that is vital in ensuring a positive and bright future for West Linton and the Scottish Borders.
“Like these organisations, we urge councillors to back this project for the Borders.”
Councillor Begg added: “This application will bring a beautiful old house back to life and support local jobs. West Linton and Carlops have seen the closure of four out of five pubs/restaurants over the past 20 years.
“By supporting the local tourism offering, I hope we can reverse this trend.
“As a local resident who walks up Medwyn Road on a regular basis, I fail to see how the creation of six pods will significantly impact the traffic volume.
“Indeed, a hotel was approved at Slipperfield but has never been built. It appears that the use of Medwyn Road is acceptable for this hotel, but not for a far smaller family-run venture.
“Small ecologically sensitive retreats are an attractive tourist offering and provide more sustainable options than larger developments that have been consented.
“I support this development as I believe the economic benefits to the area outweigh the concerns.”
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