A GALASHIELS councillor believes the town could be next in line for a new hotel.

Last week, elected members gave the green light to develop a 70-bed Premier Inn in Tweedbank.

And Andy Anderson (SNP) reckons it could “act as a catalyst” for Galashiels.

He told last Wednesday’s meeting of the town’s community council: “My preference was always for Galashiels to get a new hotel.

“But I firmly believe the decision to approve the plans at Tweedbank will help the town.

“Not only do I think we will benefit from the new hotel, but I think there could be potential for other firms to come to Galashiels in the future.”

The £12 million development at Tweedbank also includes a BP petrol station, Marks and Spencer kiosk and a drive-thru Costa coffee cafe.

There had been a number of objections from local residents and businesses, as well as from nearby Melrose Community Council which was worried about the impact on the high street.

And concerns were also raised in recent months over the loss of industrial land.

At last Wednesday’s meeting, Galashiels community councillor Drew Tulley said he feared the decision to approve the development would “set a precedent” for the area.

He told the group: “There have been many applications in the past in that area. There were proposals for a cafe and a soft play area and they were deemed to be unacceptable.

“Will this development not set a precedent for future developers wanting to come and build on nearby land?”

However Councillor Anderson reassured members that this would not be the case.

He added: “Precedents can not be set when it comes to planning.

“Each planning application that comes into the council is dealt with on its own merits.

“I very much hope this development at Tweedbank will be a catalyst in encouraging other hotel firms to come to the area.”