Center Parcs gets 'right to roam' restriction on first Scottish site
A bylaw will restrict public access around the site of the holiday park in the Scottish Borders
A major step in the development of a £450 million Borders holiday village has been agreed after the Scottish government endorsed restrictions on “rights to roam”.
A new bylaw requested by Scottish Borders Council will restrict public access to land at Huntlaw and Muirfield Farm at Hassendean near Hawick – the site of Scotland’s first Center Parcs.
This marks a key step in regulating land access for the holiday village, following the council’s recent approval of the development.
Councillors had previously unanimously agreed to make the bylaw and to undertake a statutory consultation process.
The bylaw will come into operation next month.
Euan Jardine, leader of Scottish Borders Council, said: “We warmly welcome the decision by Scottish ministers to grant the new bylaw, which recognises the careful and balanced approach taken by the council in considering the needs of Center Parcs as it makes this major investment in the Scottish Borders, alongside the rights and traditions of public access in Scotland.
“We appreciate ministers’ acknowledgement of the extensive work undertaken to address the concerns raised by access groups and local residents, and their agreement that these can be appropriately mitigated through the proposals put forward.
“This positive decision provides clarity and confidence for the project to move forward, bringing significant economic and employment opportunities to the Borders, while ensuring our communities and environment are respected.”
READ MORE: Centre Parcs coming to the Scottish Borders is like a ‘blue whale arriving in a medium-sized pond’
The resort, which is anticipated will open in 2029, is expected to support 750–800 jobs during construction and create around 1,200 permanent roles once operational, delivering an estimated £75m per year to the Borders economy, including £8.8m in tourism spend.
Councillors agreed there was an “exceptional case” for the bylaw to be introduced, which Center Parcs say is needed to guarantee the security of the site.
Members were informed that the earmarked land is currently not used to any great extent by walkers, although there is some equestrian use.
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