A COALITION of "big gun" organisations has reinforced its unequivocal backing for a near-£12 million luxury holiday lodge development ahead of a D-Day decision by the Scottish Borders Council next week.
When members of the council’s Planning and Building Standards Committee meet on Monday, August 11, they will consider plans for the 79 lodge development at Rutherford Park, between West Linton and Carlops.
Ahead of the meeting, six key organisations have issued a joint statement in support of the “wide-ranging benefits” the development will have for the region.
The organisations are: Borders College; [[Scottish Borders]] Chamber of Commerce; Scottish Tourism Alliance; South of Scotland Destination Alliance; UK Hospitality Scotland and Houston’s Coaches.
The joint statement offers their “unequivocal support” for the development, which committee members are being recommended to support.
They describe it as both a “golden chance” and a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity”.
The statement says: “These luxury lodge proposals will deliver a significant benefit not only to the immediate local area but to the Scottish Borders as a whole, boosting bed nights and spend in the region, thereby enhancing its overall prosperity. Additionally, the 79 lodges will occupy only 10 hectares of the 80-hectare site.
“Rutherford Park aims to be at the forefront of a new era of luxury lodge destinations, representing an investment of approximately £11.6m in the Scottish Borders, which will attract visitors and create employment opportunities. It fully aligns with the aims of the Scottish Borders Tourism Strategy.
“It is estimated that around 27 jobs will be created once Rutherford Park is built, generating around £2.5m per annum in the local area. with spin-off opportunities for local businesses and leading to the creation of new ones.
“There is also an opportunity for apprenticeships and training, and discussions have taken place with Scottish Borders College regarding joint working opportunities to keep young people in the Borders.
“Delivery of Rutherford Park will greatly enhance the ecological value of the site. Around half (40-hectares) will be rewilded, including the planting of a minimum of 80,000 trees, with woodland walks and cycle paths.
“Additionally, there will be large areas of parkland, featuring open spaces and lake areas, which will help increase bird and native wildlife populations. Discussions have taken place with Houston’s Coaches, the local bus company, regarding enhancements to the service, which will benefit the community.
“This is a golden opportunity for the Scottish Borders – a once-in-a-generation chance – and we urge you to seize it with both hands by supporting the planning application.”
