Village chicken sheds could make way for new Co-op store

Plans to move a convenience store in a Borders village - demolishing three chicken sheds in the process - are being recommended for approval.

The Co-op said its current site on Main Street in West Linton was not suited to a "high quality shopping environment" and wants to create purpose-built premises on Station Road.

Representations to Scottish Borders Council (SBC) have been split between those in favour and against the proposals with the community council opposed due to concerns about the impact on the village centre.

Planning committee councillors are being recommended to approve the project as a "small-scale neighbourhood retail unit on brownfield land".

The application - to be considered at a meeting on Monday - is to demolish the chicken sheds, form an entrance and put up a store with 26 parking spaces.

More than 90 representations have been received - with 51 in favour and 40 against the scheme.

Supporters said it could increase employment opportunities, add to retail provision and improve road safety by moving away from the centre of the village.

However, opponents questioned the traffic benefits of the new location and raised fears over the "potential harm to the vitality and function" of the heart of West Linton.

The Co-op said its current shop lacked the space for product storage, had "cramped" staff facilities and its customers wanted a larger range available without having to leave the village.

It said the only way to address the "ongoing operational challenges" was with a new site.

A report to councillors concluded that the "planning balance" fell on the side of granting the proposal, subject to conditions.