Holiday cabins plan set to net tourists for coastal village

A planning application has been submitted to Scottish Borders Council for three pods with parking bays on land to the west of Burnmouth Church and close to the village harbour.

The site was previously occupied by three fisherman cottages. They were demolished in 1950 but there are still remnants of the cottages’ walls on the site.

Aside from the parish church other buildings close by include the 19th century built Burnmouth Coastguard Cottage.

The applicant, ASE Holidays & Property Rental Ltd, say the category C listed Burnmouth Harbour to the south east of the development site will not be impacted by the proposal.

In its business plan with the application a company spokesperson says “we have a passion for making this site an attractive holiday destination, boosting the local economy by responsibly increased tourism”.

A design statement from Galashiels-based Camerons Strachan Yuill Architects, on behalf of the applicant, says: “The proposed three holiday cabins will have a discreet overall volume to not impose on their surroundings or disrupt views and will be carefully placed to match the site’s steep topography.

“The cabins will be supported by structural stilts which will create a small undercroft which will be concealed by a timber hit and miss louvre screen.

“Each holiday cabin is positioned to achieve optimal views of the sea and the surrounding vista whilst not having glazing facing each other or overlooking habited sites – enhancing privacy for cabin users and neighbouring sites.

“The cabins will be built in quality and sustainable sourced materials, in keeping with the local aesthetic. Windows and accessories such as gutters will be gun metal grey and the cladding will be painted a dark green so the cabins blend into and sit quietly on the hillside.”