The Local Review Body considered three requests to review previous refusals. Two applications for new dwellings in the countryside were refused, and one application for a coffee stop was also refused.

Review of Refusal: Change of Use and Alterations to Outbuilding to Form Additional Accommodation, Alterations and Single Storey Extension to Form Reception and Wellness Hub, Erection of 6 No. Holiday Cabins, Formation of Access, Parking, Swimming Pond, Landscaping, and Associated Works at Outbuildings and Land North West of Wakefield, Baddinsgill, West Linton (Ref: 25/00043/RREF)

The Local Review Body reviewed a refusal for a change of use and alterations to an outbuilding to form additional accommodation, alterations and a single-storey extension to form a reception and wellness hub, the erection of six holiday cabins, and associated works at Wakefield House, West Linton. The original refusal was primarily due to concerns about increased traffic movements on Medwyn Road, impacting road and pedestrian safety, and increasing reliance on private car use.

The applicant's appeal statement argued that the traffic impact was not significant, citing traffic surveys and previous planning permissions for larger developments in the area. They also highlighted the provision of sustainable travel options, such as on-site cycle storage and a public transport pick-up/drop-off service.

However, the Roads Planning Service maintained their objection, highlighting that the current application differed from previous ones by utilising the entirety of the residential section of Medwyn Road and generating through-traffic. They also noted the increased emphasis on sustainable travel in national policy. The West Linton Community Council also objected, reiterating concerns about road safety, pedestrian access, and the lack of sustainability.

After deliberation, the Local Review Body decided to uphold the officer's decision and refuse the appeal. Councillor Eric Small was the only member in favour of overturning the decision.

Review of Refusal: Siting of Container Coffee Stop Including Formation of Hardstanding on Land East and West of Carter Bar Lay-By (A68), Carter Bar, Jedburgh (Ref: 26/00001/RREF)

The Local Review Body reviewed a refusal for the siting of a container coffee stop, including the formation of hardstanding, on land east and west of Carter Bar lay-by on the A68. The original refusal was based on a lack of clear operational or economic need for a rural location, potential harm to town centres, and the temporary nature of the structure harming the character of the rural area.

The applicant argued that the development would serve a different clientele, including tradespeople and lorry drivers, and that a town centre first approach was not appropriate for this strategic border location. They also suggested it could complement existing town centre businesses by directing customers to them.

However, councillors expressed concerns about road safety due to the potential for people to cross the A68, the iconic nature of the view which could be harmed by a permanent structure, and the potential for the development to become larger than initially intended. Concerns were also raised about the impact on Jedburgh town centre businesses.

Ultimately, the Local Review Body decided to uphold the officer's decision and refuse the appeal. Councillors Rowe, Richards, and Thomson spoke in favour of upholding the officer's decision, while Councillor Small spoke in favour of overturning it.

Review of Refusal: Erection of Dwellinghouse on Land South of 4 East Mains Farm Cottages, Gordon (Ref: 26/00003/RREF)

The Local Review Body reviewed a refusal for the erection of a dwellinghouse on land south of 4 East Mains Farm Cottages, Gordon. The original refusal was based on the proposal breaking into an undeveloped field, resulting in an incongruous field shape and boundary, being at odds with the established spatial pattern of development, and having a significant adverse impact on the landscape character. While the need for a farm worker's dwelling was acknowledged, the location was deemed unacceptable.

The applicants argued that the site was not undeveloped, as ruins of a former building existed, and that the location was chosen for operational reasons, providing uninterrupted views and direct access to farmland for livestock management. They also stated that no other suitable buildings were available for conversion.

However, councillors expressed concerns that the proposal did not relate well to the existing linear building group of East Mains Farm Cottages. They felt it failed on policy HD2(A) regarding relation to an existing building group and that the economic case for the house being in this specific location was not sufficiently demonstrated.

The Local Review Body unanimously decided to uphold the officer's decision and refuse the appeal.