Details of the plans, earmarked for land just north of Hawick, were announced in November last year.

Submitted on February 7, the PoAN came with full details of an extensive statutory community consultation programme.

Just days after the PoAN was submitted, it has already been endorsed by the council, a spokesperson stating it “satisfies the minimum statutory consultation activities that are required”.

A full planning application for the holiday village is expected this summer.

Center Parcs has six villages across the UK and Ireland and more than 35 years of experience in offering family short breaks. Its vision for the site between Selkirk and Hawick is to create a new woodland and lochs which will significantly increase biodiversity. 

The rich, wooded landscape will be home to a holiday village of up to 700 lodges/apartments, the signature Aqua Sana Forest Spa, the renowned Subtropical Swimming Paradise indoor water park, indoor/outdoor leisure and sports facilities, and an array of retail and restaurant facilities, bars and coffee shops, as well as a Local Heritage Centre.

During construction, the project is expected to generate between 750 and 800 jobs, with a commitment to engaging regional contractors where possible. Once operational, the village will create approximately 1,200 permanent, non-seasonal roles, providing diverse career opportunities for local people, including management positions. The total investment to bring this new village to life is estimated at between £350 million and £400m.

In addition to previously announced community information sessions, Center Parcs proposes to hold at least four further formal public consultation events at which project team members will be available to discuss the plans and answer any questions.

Colin McKinlay, chief executive officer of Center Parcs, said: “This first step towards applying for planning permission to realise our vision is an extremely important moment for us, and we are fully committed to a thorough programme of community engagement and consultation before the full planning application is submitted.

“We know from experience the significant economic and social benefits a Center Parcs village brings to the local area, and we are excited at the prospect of bringing a Center Parcs village to the Scottish Borders, creating a fantastic destination for families.

“We have already received extremely valuable feedback from the community, and we want to ensure that as many local people as possible see what we propose and are able to ask questions and provide feedback.” 

The statutory public consultation events, which all run from 2pm-7pm, will be held at: 

• Currie Memorial Hall, Lilliesleaf: Wednesday 26th February 2025
• Denholm Village Hall: Wednesday 26th March 2025
• Selkirk RFC: Thursday 24th April 2025
• Hawick RFC: Tuesday 20th May 2025

In addition, Center Parcs will host a Community Open Day at Hawick RFC on Wednesday 21st May 2025 from 11am to 7pm.