Countryside cafe splits community

Controversial plans to convert a 200-year-old farm workshop into a countryside cafe are set to be approved despite splitting the local community.

- by Marie Sharp

The proposals for the Category B listed building at Carrington Mains Farm, near Gorebridge, could create a haven for cyclists as well as creating local jobs.

Midlothian Council planners have recommended the scheme is approved along with an application for Listed Building Consent after Historic Environment Scotland backed the proposals for bringing the building into use and securing its future.

However the applications have been called in by local councillors after 27 representations were lodged with the plans - 13 in favour and 11 objecting with the rest described as neutral.