PLANS for a drive-thru fast-food outlet and new supermarket in Hawick are being recommended for approval.

But the development will still need the go-ahead from Government ministers due to flood fears for the Commercial Road site.

The application by Image Estates for the retail and takeaway development last spring was widely welcomed in Hawick.

The developers have been in talks with both McDonald's and B&M Bargains to occupy the site.

But ongoing concerns from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) will mean that even if the full application is accepted by members of Scottish Borders Council on Monday, final approval will rest at Holyrood.

Despite assurances from bosses of the ongoing Hawick Flood Protection Scheme, SEPA has maintained its stance.

Planning officer Stuart Herkes explained: "SEPA identifies the site’s presence within the functional flood plain, as the basis for its objection.

"Its concerns would be fully justified in any circumstance in which the proposed development were to go ahead without the Hawick Flood Protection Scheme first being in place.

"However, and despite the clear advice of the Hawick Flood Protection Scheme project team that it is able to directly accommodate the proposal within its calculations for the construction of the scheme, SEPA does not consider that it has been given sufficient reassurance that the site can be developed without unacceptable flood risk impacts.

"Owing to SEPA’s outstanding objection in principle to this proposal on the grounds that the development would be at risk of, and would cause, unacceptable flooding impacts on the site and in the surrounding area, any approval of this application by members would itself require referral to, and approval by, Scottish Ministers."

Image Estates hope to build the retail store as well as the restaurant with drive-thru facilities on the site of the former Bruce Motors showroom and neighbouring redundant mill buildings.

During two public consultation events objections to the proposals were raised concerning flooding, the detriment of the environment and neighbouring amenities, as well as increased traffic the loss of historic buildings.

But there has also been a lot of support for the plans.

Mr Herkes added: "The area has been transformed into a commercial hub and is considered to be a welcome offshoot and support to the high street.

"Further, new developments are welcomed if they support new employment opportunities.

"The site appears able to accommodate the level of floor space shown and would likely encourage further footfall to this area, especially a new drive through hot food operation."