PLANS to convert a former Peeblesshire farm stable building into a house have been unveiled.

The application at Kailzie farm house – around 1.5 miles west of Peebles on the B7062 – is looking to provide a “positive addition to the architectural character of the local area”.

The farm and courtyard are part of the wider surviving landscape features from Kailzie House, demolished in 1958.

A planning statement, prepared by Selkirk-based RM Architecture, said: “The farm house and dairy cottage have been in private ownership for a number of years and there is no longer a working farm at this location. The adjacent riding school, which now occupies the former farm outbuilding and the land to the north and west, operates independently without affecting the amenity enjoyed by the two existing residential properties at Kailzie home farm.

“This is further defined by the physical separation between the two sets of buildings and the cobbled courtyard between which forms a strong boundary.

“A well formed and positioned access road from the existing B7062 public road which provides excellent visibility in both directions. The access has been well used in the past and continues to provide access to the riding school along with residential access to the farm house and dairy cottage.

“There is already an existing water supply present on site which will require to be further investigated for potability & capacity.

“The existing building has been maintained to a good standard and shows no visible sign of structural defects to the exterior wall or roof.

“We would therefore advise that the building is more than suitable for conversion.

“The design approach seeks to retain the form of the existing stable without any further expansion or extension proposed. The building form, architectural style, scale and exterior materials are to remain intact and repaired where required. These alterations will be carried out in a manner sympathetic to the listed status of the existing building.

“Adequate private garden ground to the west and south aspects will be provided and can be enjoyed without affecting the private amenity already enjoyed by the adjoining dairy cottage.

“We believe the sympathetic approach to the conversion and restoration of the existing stable will create an attractive setting for residential dwelling.”