Scottish Borders Council have been told to reject a planning application for a new Lidl store in Tweedbank, as it posed an “unacceptable risk”.
The planning officers made the recommendation, claiming that it would affect the “vitality” and “viability” of the area claiming the benefits failed to outweigh “harm caused”.
They argued the development was “unsustainable”, despite the new store creating up to 100 new jobs in the area, raising concerns about the impact on Melrose and that the retail unit would have “adverse landscape and visual consequences”.
The supermarket was aimed to be part of the Borders Gateway Project, which was unveiled four years ago, “piggy-backing” on the success of the Borders Railway, with an investment of more than £10m.
The Scottish Borders Council will make a decision on the scheme today at its committee meeting.
Planning officers noted the scheme would “potentially” bring “significant benefit” to the residents of Tweedbank and the surrounding area, supporting the business units.
However, it rejected the proposed Lidl store, arguing it would lead to loss of “land employment” at the business park and potentially “harm” Melrose town centre.
The planning officer wrote: “It would also comprise an unsustainable development that does not maximise the value of the railway, but rather the economic value of the site for a retail operator.
“It would also do so in a manner which is visually unsympathetic to the landscape setting of this part of Tweedbank, and risk the loss of further trees, thereby adding to the considerable tree removals already undertaken to facilitate the previously consented development.”
The scheme had previously planned for a hotel in 2019, which was approved by the council. However, hotel operators Premier Inn pulled out, blaming the pandemic for changing the company's outlook.
The scheme has already started developments on some elements of the scheme - a Costa drive thru and a petrol station.
The developers made the size of the supermarket smaller to fit into the council’s local development plans and was widely supported by the community.
Gordon Rafferty, Lidl’s regional head of property, said: “We know there is huge support locally, with residents in and around the surrounding area speaking loudly about wanting this multi-million pound investment, which will create new jobs for the local economy.
“We hope that the members recognise this support and approve the application.”
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