Guidance detailing how the future expansion of Tweedbank should take place is to be presented to Councillors
Finalised Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) will outline the vision and overall direction for the development, which will provide high quality residential and business space.
Included in the finalised SPG is a comprehensive design guide outlining the expected standards in terms of sustainability and design that any potential developers will be required to meet.
The SPG and associated Design Guide will be used to influence planning applications for the development of the site.
A draft version of the SPG was initially presented to and approved by Council in January 2020 and was followed by a 12-week public consultation. This included a public exhibition in the Tweedbank Community Centre and offered members of the public an opportunity to provide feedback on the proposals.
The SPG is a key component of the Tweedbank Masterplan, a transformational prospectus which will encourage people to live, learn, visit and work in the local community.
Land adjacent to the existing Tweedbank village was initially earmarked as part of our Local Development Plan (LDP), via Housing Planning Guidance, in 2017 to address a shortfall of housing land in the region due to its strong rail links, high-quality landscape setting and already established housing market.
It’s estimated that the Tweedbank development could create 350 jobs and generate £150m of Gross Value Added (GVA) to the Borders economy, whilst also making a significant contribution to meeting local housing need and associated Scottish Government requirements.
The SPG also supports our commitment to the Edinburgh and South East City Region Deal, and the Borders Railway Blueprint programme.
Both the finalised SPG and Design Guide will be discussed at our Planning and Building Standards Committee on Monday 31 May, before being presented to full Council next month.
Councillor Simon Mountford, Executive Member for Enhancing the Built Environment and Natural Heritage
“The creation of the Supplementary Planning Guidance for Tweedbank is key to supporting the Council’s overall vision for future development in this area, whilst also making extremely clear our expectations in terms of standards that any potential developers will need to meet.
“The scale of the development opportunities here represents a considerable investment into the Tweedbank area, creating hundreds of jobs and significantly increasing the amount of housing in the area. Therefore it is vitally important we as a Council make the right decisions and support future development that will help create a successful, integrated community that the people of Tweedbank and the wider Borders can be proud of.
“I am confident that this high quality guidance will help us to deliver a much-needed range of high-quality homes, commercial premises and recreational opportunities which will deliver significant benefits for the whole of the Scottish Borders.”