Plans to build a mountain bike centre in the Borders have been approved, following the news that the development would not disturb a colony of nearby bats.

The £5.5m park, near Innerleithen, Peeblesshire, will include a mechanical chairlift, toboggan run and visitor centre.

There was concern over plans to fell a small woodland area close to the River Tweed to provide access to the bike park at Traquair.

It was feared the work would destroy the natural roosting spot for the bats.

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Planning officer Ian Aikman said: "There is sufficient land to modify the junction to provide safe access at the same time at the same time as protecting the bats."

Members of Scottish Borders Council's planning and development committee agreed to back the application.

More than £5m needs to be raised to fund the project.

The new development will cater for mountain bikers of all abilities and will be set within the Tweed Valley.

The group Action on the Innerleithen Mechanical Uplift (AIMUp) submitted the application. AIMUp comprises local businesses, mountain bikers and residents of Innerleithen, Traquair, Walkerburn and Cardrona.

The 1.4km mechancial chairlift can take up to 1200 people an hour up the slopes near Traquair to the courses.

An AIMUp spokesman said: "This is obviously great news for the project, Innerleithen and we believe the Scottish Borders. With planning approval, we have something tangible to progress discussions with potential funders."

(IT)