A New By-Law to Restrict Roaming at Scotland's First Center Parcs: Balancing Development and Public Access
ByGiancarlo Rinaldi
South Scotland Reporter
Updated 19 minutes ago
The Scottish Borders Council (SBC) has approved a by-law that will restrict public access to over half of the land designated for Scotland's inaugural Center Parcs holiday village near Hawick. This decision has sparked debates about the balance between development and public access rights.
The Core Issue: Balancing Development and Public Access
The Center Parcs development, spanning 405 hectares, includes plans for a fully enclosed main site with accommodation and a village center. Critics argue that this restriction sets a precedent that could limit public access to other sites across Scotland. However, the SBC supported the move after the company emphasized the importance of a fenced area with a single access point for its business model.
The Legal Framework: Land Reform Act and Access Rights
The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 guarantees a statutory right to responsible access for recreation, crossing, and educational and commercial purposes. However, the SBC argues that this act alone is insufficient to meet Center Parcs' requirements, which recently secured planning permission.
The Decision and Its Implications
The SBC's decision to approve the by-law was welcomed by SBC leader Euan Jardine, who emphasized the economic and employment opportunities the project brings to the Borders while respecting local communities and the environment. However, organizations like Ramblers Scotland and ScotWays have raised concerns about the potential erosion of responsible access rights and the precedent this decision could set for future developments.
Scotland's Right to Roam: A Complex Issue
Scotland's right to roam laws, enacted in 2005, aimed to resolve disputes over rights of way and promote outdoor access. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code provides guidance on user behavior and access management. While the SBC's by-law restricts access, it is seen as an exceptional case, and the development is expected to proceed with Scottish government approval.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
Center Parcs claims the project can support approximately 800 jobs during construction and create about 1,200 permanent positions once operational. This significant economic impact has likely influenced the SBC's decision, highlighting the complex interplay between development, public access, and local economic benefits.
The Way Forward: Balancing Interests
The by-law's approval marks a crucial step in the development of Scotland's first Center Parcs. As the project progresses, ongoing dialogue and collaboration between developers, local authorities, and access groups will be essential to ensure a balanced approach that respects both public access rights and the economic opportunities the development brings.
