THE development of a new Borders primary school and medical practice have reached a new milestone.

Plans for a new primary school and medical practice in Earlston have taken an important step forward after planning permission was approved.

Scottish Borders Council (SBC) approved the plans which will see the existing primary school redeveloped to offer multi-use facilities including a health centre, nursery and library.

Now that planning permission has been granted further planning, design and development of the school can begin alongside a community consultation sharing approved designs for the project.

A spokesperson for the local authority said: "The development will consist of a two-storey education block and a single storey pavilion housing the health centre linked by a central shared reception which includes a community library, a community café and multi-use shared spaces.

"Situated on the site of the old school, the new building will boast high quality external spaces for play and community use with improved access routes installed to provide safer routes connecting children with their homes and the school.

"As well as state-of-the-art educational facilities, the building will provide extensive benefits to the wider community by bringing care and wellbeing services brought to the heart of the community along with learning and social facilities."

Construction of the new school will begin later this year – the development of new homes by Eildon Housing will be completed in phases.

The total project will be finished in early 2024.

The online consultation space, which includes exhibition boards with details of the project and a digital video of what the building is likely to look like, is available to view on the council's website at: www.scotborders.gov.uk/earlstonprimaryconsultation