Cabin scheme gets the green light

Councillors unanimously approved the Craik cabin plans

A holiday development south of Hawick has been given the all clear by Scottish Borders Council.

The plans will see 51 log cabins constructed at Craik despite a campaign from residents against the scheme.

They handed in a petition opposing the plans on grounds of the environmental impact as well as concerns about water supply and sewerage systems.

Councillors gave unanimous approval to the scheme saying it would be a boost to the economy of the area.

A 115-signature petition had been handed in to the council by the Upper Borthwick Valley Action Group prior to the meeting.

Planning conditions

Local councillor Val Robson said that while she sympathised with some of the residents' concerns their objections could not stand up to close scrutiny.

Hawick member Andrew Farquhar added that the scheme could have a positive impact on the area's economy.

The authority voted unanimously to approve the plans from developer MDL (Borders) but with a number of conditions.

These include a block on the cottages becoming permanent homes and requiring them to be vacant at least two months in the year.