Glentress Forest 'masterplan' seeks progress

The masterplan sets out a 20-year vision for the future of the forest

Councillors in the Borders are being asked to take a development masterplan for one of the region's key visitor attractions out to consultation.

Glentress Forest near Peebles is considered to be one of the UK's premier mountain biking venues and gets more than 300,000 visitors a year.

An enhanced visitor centre and potential cabin site are among the masterplan proposals.

Scottish Borders Council will meet to discuss the plans next week.

Councillors are being asked to agree to approve the draft scheme as a basis for a 12-week consultation.

'Development vision'

The authority would then receive a further report on that feedback in order to formally agree how to take the project forward.

The "development vision" being put to the council outlines how the site could develop over the next 20 years.

Among the proposals are:

• the creation of an enhanced recreation centre to support existing developments

• stand-alone mountain bike skills areas

• improved roads giving priority to pedestrians and cyclists

• at least 300 additional parking spaces

• approximately 65 cabins providing accommodation.

Once the plan has gone out to consultation it will be brought back to the planning and building standards committee to seek final approval.