Holiday complex at 18th century country house set for approval

7 hours ago

Giancarlo RinaldiSouth Scotland reporter

Irvine House, which dates back to 1792, would be transformed as part of the plans

Buccleuch Another computer generated view of a courtyard outside Irvine House with a white exterior and numerous windows and plants situated and some tables and chairs in the foreground — Irvine House, which dates back to 1792, would be transformed as part of the plans

Plans by one of Scotland's biggest private landowners to create a holiday complex at an 18th century country mansion are expected to be approved.

The project would see the conversion and extension of Irvine House near Canonbie in Dumfries and Galloway, with nearly 140 lodges built.

Applicants Buccleuch Estates have estimated the scheme could create about 36 jobs once it is up and running.

Dumfries and Galloway Council's planning committee is being recommended to give the development the all clear.

More than 130 holiday lodges would be built on the site near the River Esk

Buccleuch A side view of Irvine House a white and granite mansion house surrounded by grass and trees — More than 130 holiday lodges would be built on the site near the River Esk

Irvine House is located midway between Langholm and Canonbie on the west bank of the River Esk.

It was built in about 1792 and remodelled about 45 years later.

The plans would see the repair and adaptation of the house to become a welcome centre and holiday accommodation.

In total, 137 holiday lodges - a slight reduction on original proposals - would also be constructed on the surrounding land if the proposals are approved.

An artist's impression of how the currently empty mansion would look as a welcome centre under the plans

Buccleuch A computer generated view of an extension to a mansion house in southern Scotland. Part of the building is in granite while another section has a smooth white surface with a blue sky above and green fields in the background — An artist's impression of how the currently empty mansion would look as a welcome centre under the plans

Buccleuch said the scheme could make a "significant economic impact within the local community and wider Dumfries and Galloway community".

It remains one of Scotland's biggest private landowners despite recent sales to reduce its footprint.

A planning statement said its long-term business objective was to "generate sustainable revenues capable of funding its ongoing stewardship responsibilities".

It added that required "continuous appraisal of new commercial opportunities across its rural estates".