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Search the Public Notice PortalMAJOR plans to build a Center Parcs holiday village little more than an hour's drive from East Lothian are set to be given the green light.
A lengthy report on the development, which would see up to 700 lodges constructed on the site between Selkirk and Hawick, was published ahead of a meeting of Scottish Borders Council’s (SBC) planning committee next week.
Councillors have been recommended to approve the proposals for Scotland’s first Center Parcs, expected to create 1,200 permanent jobs once operational.
The report states: “Center Parcs is an internationally recognised brand and its decision to create its first Scottish site in the Scottish Borders is a significant vote of confidence in the region, which will raise the profile of the Borders within the tourism market and beyond.
“As such, it is an endorsement of the Borders’ potential as a high-quality, family-friendly destination, which would considerably raise the profile of the region on the tourism map.”
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Center Parcs is eyeing a 2029 opening date if the development, described as representing a £450 million investment in the Borders, is given the go-ahead.
A number of objections to the project have been filed with SBC, including concerns over the impact on nearby roads.
But a traffic assessment indicates that the network will be able to deal with the “substantial traffic” expected to be generated by the holiday park, according to the council.
SBC has identified a “significant issue” in Galashiels where Bridge Place, High Buckholmside and Ladhope Vale meet.
The report states that the roundabout would be “over capacity in 2029 if the development was to become operational”.
It adds that Center Parcs is aware of the concerns and is committed to working with the council to explore potential alterations to the junction.
Other concerns have been raised over the proposals, such as the company’s business model meaning people will stay on-site rather than exploring the region.
The SBC report states: “In relation to visitors, indications from other sites suggest that 50 per cent will take the opportunity to explore the area before or after their holiday, while five per cent will also do so during their stay.
“Even that small percentage has the potential to generate a significant uplift in visitor spend, which becomes particularly important in the winter months.”
The holiday village is expected to attract more than 350,000 overnight visitors annually.
SBC’s planning committee will meet on Monday (December 8) to discuss the plans.
The nearest Center Parcs village to Scotland is in Cumbria.
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