Tweedbank’s future set to be discussed by councillors

An artist's interpretation for Station Square, part of the Tweedbank masterplan.

The finalised Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) will outline the vision and overall direction for the development, which the council claims will provide high-quality residential and business space, and along with a comprehensive style guide, will be used to influence planning applications for future development.

A draft version of the SPG was initially presented to and approved by the council in January 2020 and was followed by a 12-week public consultation, which included a public exhibition in the Tweedbank Community Centre and offered members of the public an opportunity to provide feedback on the proposals.

Both the finalised SPG and design guide will be discussed at the council’s Planning and Building Standards Committee on Monday, May 31, before being presented to full council next month.

Councillor Simon Mountford, executive member for enhancing the built environment and natural heritage, said: “The creation of the SPG 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 Borders.”

The council claims the development could create 350 jobs and generate £150million of Gross Value Added to the local economy, and make a significant contribution to meeting local housing need and associated Scottish Government requirements.