PLANS for a major housing, commercial and educational development in Newtown St Boswells have taken a step forward.

The H&H Group revealed earlier this year that they want to develop the village's auction mart as well as neighbouring land.

Included in their masterplan for the auction mart site is an enhanced village centre with new retail and residential premises being built.

A further development of land to the east of the mart would see the creation of a rural business park, which would include a rural education campus.

A spokesman for the H&H Group stated: "The economic impact of the proposal on Newtown St Boswells will be positive both in terms of the temporary employment generated by the proposals during the construction phase, and also following completion

in the form of employment creation and retention with regards to the proposed use.

"The proposal will be consistent with the character and density of development already established within the settlement of Newtown St Boswells."

A screening request for the plans has now been submitted with Scottish Borders Council's planning department.