The decision will pave the way for further planning, design and development to be undertaken alongside further consultation with the local community to talk through the approved plans and the immediate next steps before construction begins.

A modern learning space featuring attractive atrium spaces for collaboration and interaction, as well as breakout spaces for flexible teaching, will be built across two storeys on one of the existing grass pitches within the existing High School boundary.

The new facility will be constructed whilst the existing school remains operational, avoiding significant disruption for pupils and ultimately delivering a world-class education and community facility.

Designed with involvement from the community, the campus will benefit the wider community providing an active landscape with opportunities for team sports, exercise classes, and routes for walking and running.

Also included in the development is an extension of the existing sports block, with a new multi-purpose 3G pitch built.

Starting later this month on 28 July, a three-month programme of water diversion works to install a mains water pipe will commence on Bonnington Road and Craigerne Lane running until 21 October. The contractor undertaking the works will be WSP, on behalf of Scottish Water. Access to the school will not be affected.

Construction on the building itself is scheduled to begin later this year with the new facility to be constructed whilst the existing school remains operational, avoiding significant disruption for pupils. The entire development is due to be completed in 2025.

Councillor Leagh Douglas, executive member for education & lifelong learning at Scottish Borders Council, said: “The approval of planning for the state-of-the-art replacement of Peebles High School is very welcome news and signifies an important next step in the project’s timeline.

“This new campus will be transformational for both the students who will benefit from the world class educational facilities and the wider community who will have access to the many facilities on offer.

“Throughout this process we have put community consultation at the heart of the design and development of this project to ensure we are creating a building that they can be proud of and that will deliver wide-ranging benefits for decades to come.

“In the coming weeks, the project delivery team will hold a follow on public meeting to show the approved plans to the community, details of which will be shared in due course.”

Scott Brown, Hub South East’s project director, added: “Achieving planning permission is a key step in the development of a fantastic new learning space for Peebles. Stallan-Brand’s inspiring designs have been well received and we look forward to further developing these as the project progresses.

“Working in partnership with Scottish Borders Council and our contractor BAM Construction, we will deliver a facility which supports a modern learning experience for pupils and is an asset to the local community, whilst realising a range of local benefits and social value.”