SELKIRK is in the frame for dozens of new jobs after the latest stage in the expansion of a booming building firm was rubber-stamped.

Scottish Borders Council (SBC) has granted approval for a series of works at Oregon Timber Frame Engineering, located in Dunsdale Road – a company which facilitates the supply of timber kits for the housing industry.

Go-ahead has been granted for the demolition of a former retail unit, change of use of ‘Carrs Billington’ retail unit to storage use, extension to the north factory and yard, installation of photovoltaic panels, landscaping, parking, and external lighting.

The expansion bid comes as the company enters “a key phase of growth” following its acquisition by Barratt Developments PLC in 2019, one of the major house-builders in the UK.

In February 2022, Oregon received planning permission from SBC for the change of use of the former ‘Leading Labels’ retail unit in Selkirk for office use.

The company has its headquarters in Selkirk but also recently completed the build of a new £40m, 186 000 sq. ft factory to significantly upgrade its original Burton-Upon-Trent depot.

Oregon moved to Selkirk in 2005 and is now one of the Borders' leading employers.

It is envisaged that the expansion will see the workforce rise from the current 203 to 260.

A spokesperson for Edinburgh-based Oberlanders Architects said: “Due to significant increases in production, the company now needs to expand its existing facilities, including relocating the current offices to free up valuable yard space for production lines, extending two existing factory units and making good as required a third existing building to use as a secure storage unit within the Oregon Timber industrial complex.

“It is also the aim of the company to ultimately secure its long-term future as a significant employer in the Scottish Borders via the factory’s expansion works.”

A separate planning application has also been submitted to SBC for the erection of eight  CCTV cameras and associated lighting columns.

A report submitted with the application says: “The proposed development is required to deliver the sustainable operation of Oregon in Selkirk and the new approved office.

“The applicant has a responsibility to provide their staff and visitors to the office with the safety that people are entitled to expect when they are at work.”