A Borders groundworks contractor is looking to make a move of its own with an expansion bid now in the pipeline.

Melrose-based J.A. Wilson (Contractors) Ltd has submitted a planning application to Scottish Borders Council for erection of a new shed and works yard on land east of Halcombe Field in Earlston.

The application site lies in the south portion of Earlston, on the banks of Turfford Burn.

The applicant is a local groundworks firm which has operated across the Borders and into the Lothians since 2011.

A report with the application, submitted by Ferguson Planning, says: “The business has outgrown its existing premises and is already making use of several short term storage spaces.

“A new single premises, large enough to accommodate all equipment and operations, is now required

“The applicant’s existing operations require a secure, indoor hub as a central base. In this respect, the primary objective of the proposal is to support existing employment and business activity.

“However, design of the proposal has been future-proofed to safeguard space for further expansion on-site in years to come.

“The proposal represents employment development upon a site which lies within the development boundary of Earlston, within an established employment area, on a site allocated for redevelopment.

“The proposal supports a local business to fulfil a pre-existing need, helping to support jobs and drive business investment in the Earlston area.”