In what is a remote area which has strong demand for such premises, the applicant says it has had numerous enquiries from local rural businesses, and it is this demand that the proposal seeks to deliver. READ MORE:Peebles to have a new cafe as plans approved for former estate agents office“I have no reason to question that assessment.” “They employ approximately 15 people in the local area with this proposal estimated to accommodate up to eight new businesses and approximately 16 to 20 new employees/workers. “It is expected that occupiers will be drawn primarily from the local area with links or similar service offering to the existing rural/business premises that sits adjacent to the subject site. “Given that many local businesses struggle to get suitable spaces in the local area and have to travel considerable distances to find it (Midlothian, Edinburgh and further south in the Borders), the proposals would significantly reduce travel times by providing much-needed spaces in the locality.