St Boswells Mart redevelopment awaits council approval

Initially drawn up in 2018, the suggested proposal by Harrison and Hetherington is to overhaul the current mart with new rings and offices as well as shelter for all the pens. This comes with plans for 150 new homes alongside retail buildings to create a new town centre which will bring jobs to the area.

Proposed plans in 2018

Another issue for the redevelopment is the need for a new road off the A68 to give access to both the eastern and western sides of the market and to avoid livestock floats driving through the village. Currently, H and H have greenfield access from one side of the mart with the initial plans to incorporate third-party-owned land. This was approved by councillors in 2021 but then rejected due to the section 75 planning restrictions. It was sent back with the request the third-party land be removed from the application.

Scott Donaldson, managing director of St Boswells market described the process:

“It has been like wading through treacle, we have been looking at redeveloping the site for five years and we are now moving just a bit closer to it becoming a reality.

“The council have been unbearably slow which has been frustrating but hopefully we will hear some positive news soon.

“We want to give this town a centre and to be able to integrate the market as part of that, we have had a lot of interest from big businesses we just need the green light.”

Richard Rankin, chief executive of H and H group stated:

“From my perspective, it’s a feeling of ‘at last’ mixed with confusion and disbelief that this was actually approved over two and a half years ago and yet here we are again.

Richard Rankin, H and H chief executive

“I have a genuine concern that there could be a repeat of last time, where we couldn’t get a section 75 agreement out of the SBC legal team, despite drafting it for them to make it as easy as possible. Until I have all the pieces of official paper in my hands I will try not to get too excited.

“On the positive side, I can’t wait to start discussions to completely redevelop not only the mart but Newton St Boswells, creating jobs, housing and opportunities for everyone. It’s going to be an exciting time. We have significant hurdles to continue to clear, particularly around funding the necessary road changes but just getting to this starting point will feel like a win!”