REVISED plans for the multi-million pound ‘regeneration’ of an historic Borders site look set to be given the green light.

Members of the planning and building standards committee have been advised to back the bid at the auction mart in Newtown St Boswells at their meeting next week.

A “significant milestone” was celebrated in 2021 when councillors gave the project in principle their blessing.

But revised plans have been submitted excluding third-party land to allow the development to go ahead.

A Scottish Borders Council (SBC) report states: “This revision is to simply reduce the application site boundary so that it removes land which is outwith the control of the applicant.”

It adds: “On the basis that the development proposal itself is not being altered and nor is there any deviation to the development zones, there is considered to be sufficient space within the site to undertake the proposed development and all required mitigation in planning permission in principle terms.”

The development – put forward by H&H Group – would see the auction mart upgraded, as well as the creation of retail facilities, a hotel, up to 150 houses and a new educational campus.

It also involves a new roundabout added on the A68 to divert traffic directly to the site, rather than through the village.

It is claimed the development would bring “significant investment, employment and opportunities” to the area, providing a “catalyst for growth”.

The SBC report states: “The proposed modification of the application site boundary ensures that the proposal continues to represent an important and pivotal development that will make a positive contribution to growth of Newtown St Boswells.

“It will allow for the retention and restoration of the auction mart facility and listed building whilst creating opportunities for the creation of an improved village centre.

“The supporting uses will assist in cross-subsidising the development and will create new and improved access from the A68, complying with the development plan and aspirations set out in the Newtown St Boswells development framework.

“The economic benefits of the development have been assessed and demonstrated to justify expansion of the settlement outwith the development boundary.”

Members of the planning committee have been recommended to approve the application with a number of conditions.