THE Scottish Borders Council has agreed to continue to progress a new byelaw restricting public access rights over land at Huntlaw and Muirfield Farm as part of a key step in regulating land access for the Scottish Borders Center Parcs holiday village.
Councillors had previously agreed to make the byelaw and undertake a statutory consultation process. With that process having concluded, the council has now agreed to seek confirmation of the byelaw from Scottish ministers.
Councillor Euan Jardine, leader of Scottish Borders Council, said, “Today’s decision to seek ministerial approval for the new byelaw carefully balanced considering the needs of Center Parcs in making this major investment in the Scottish Borders, with the rights and traditions of public access in Scotland. We recognise the concerns raised by access groups and local residents but concluded these could be mitigated by Center Parcs proposals that will bring significant economic and employment opportunities to the Borders. Our aim is to ensure that the project moves forward in a way that respects our communities and safeguards the environment.”
Earlier this month, Scottish Borders Council planning committee approved the £450 million Center Parcs application, paving the way for the holiday village at Huntlaw Farm, Hassendean, near Hawick, with an anticipated opening in summer 2029. The resort will bring up to 700 lodges and apartments, a water park, spa, village centre, heritage and nature centre, shops, restaurants, outdoor activities, lochs, and woodland trails.
The project is expected to support 750–800 jobs during construction and create around 1,200 permanent roles once operational, delivering an estimated £75 million per year to the Borders economy.
Councillors described the project as ‘transformative’. While the council said it welcomes the significant benefits, it acknowledges concerns raised regarding environmental impact, traffic, and disruption. Challenges faced by local farmers were highlighted, underscoring the need to balance large-scale tourism projects with community interests.
Scottish Borders Council depute leader, councillor Scott Hamilton, said, “The decisions taken by council last week to approve the Center Parcs development marked a significant milestone for the project. The potential benefits for the Scottish Borders are significant, supporting hundreds of construction jobs, bringing permanent roles to the area and delivering millions of pounds to our local economy, but we will get the balance right and are committed to working constructively with all stakeholders to ensure that this project is delivered in a way that reflects the values of the Borders.”
With planning permission now granted, the next phase will focus on detailed design, building warrant approvals and tendering throughout 2026, followed by construction starting in spring 2026.
