A farm steading will be used by a clothing firm to store excess stock after its owners were given the go ahead to convert it to storage units.

The listed building at Fordel Mains, near Dalkeith, will be used to keep additional clothing for the unnamed firm to stock its two stores in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Applicants Cranstoun Estates told Midlothian Council that while the old building had been maintained over the years an alternative use was now needed due to its deterioration.

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They said the plan to convert the south east corner of the steading would allow restoration to take place.

They added: "The specific use will be to provide storage space for excess clothing stock from two retail units in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

"This is due to restricted storage with their restricted city centre shops."

The steading site is already home to a wine merchants with De Burgh wines using a neighbouring conversion.

Agents for the applicant argued that the existence of the wine merchants made the steading proposed for the clothes storage unsuitable for a house.

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Planning officers approved the change of use as well as Listed Building Consent for the changes to the building.

The officer's report said: "The current storage and distribution adjacent to the application site and located within the same steading courtyard has been operating successfully without any access and road safety issues or any amenity issues for local residents.

"The additional storage area will not generate a significant increase in vehicle movements and is therefore unlikely to cause any road safety or amenity issues."

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