Fears rising that ministers’ intervention could lead to bid to open McDonald’s in Hawick being scrapped

Fears are growing that the Scottish Government intervention in McDonald’s bid to open a drive-through burger bar in Hawick could lead to the fast-food giant getting so cheesed off it pulls out.
Councillor Stuart Marshall at the Commercial Road site in Hawick being eyed up to host a McDonald's.Councillor Stuart Marshall at the Commercial Road site in Hawick being eyed up to host a McDonald's.
Councillor Stuart Marshall at the Commercial Road site in Hawick being eyed up to host a McDonald's.

The developer behind the bid to build that long-awaited outlet in the town’s Commercial Road says there is now a very real possibility it will go no further.

Approval for the development was granted by Scottish Borders Council’s planning and building standards committee in January.

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However, an objection by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) on the grounds of flood risk means the bid must be agreed by Scottish Government ministers too.

And now ministers have decided the application should be called in to further examine the flood risk issues highlighted by the agency.

It is feared in the town that that will make it more likely that a government reporter will hold a hearing or public inquiry, a move certain to considerably delay the project and cause the developer involved, Edinburgh-based Image Estates Queen Street, to get cold feet over progressing with it.

Concerns over the future of the development – and the estimated 70 jobs it would bring to the town – were voiced at a meeting of Hawick Community Council this week.

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Hawick and Denholm councillor Stuart Marshall believes the latest government intervention is unwelcome and unnecessary, and he fears it could lead to the US-based fast-food giant turning its back on what he describes as a “golden opportunity” for the town.

He said: “It has never been a more critical time for our town economically.

“Scottish Borders Council has thrown its weight behind this. SEPA’s objection is putting all that under threat, and it is just absolutely shocking. It really is.”

Community councillor French Wright agreed, saying: “There’s a potential 70 jobs at risk for Hawick here. Do they not realise that?”

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Chairman Cameron Knox added: “The proposals are on land right next to where the flood defences are being built.

“SEPA objecting to this suggests they aren’t giving much credit to the flood scheme.”

The proposal also includes the relocation of discount store B&M from Croft Road to Commercial Road, and it is expected to create up to 70 jobs, continuing the regeneration of that part of the town following the opening of the Borders Distillery and Aldi’s store there in 2018.

A spokesperson for Image Estates Queen Street said: “There is now a very real possibility that this development will not proceed, resulting in the loss of 70 jobs.”

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A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Ministers called in this planning application because of the proposed development’s potential conflict with national policy on flooding and the potential impact of increasing flood risk in the surrounding area and neighbouring sites.

“As this is a live application, it would be inappropriate to comment on the merits of the case.”

Mr Marshall added: “It is quite appalling that two new major developments within our town are now being put at serious risk because the Scottish Government want to re-examine the proposals.

“Surely Scottish Borders Council throwing their full weight behind these plans should be enough to convince SEPA and government ministers that they are satisfied and recognise the importance of developing this part of our town.

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“Jobs are on the line here, and to play about with people’s future and livelihoods in this manner is utterly disgraceful.

“I feel if these plans aren’t fully accepted soon, then Hawick will have missed a golden opportunity and jobs may well be lost as a result.”