The proposed development is estimated to cost between £350 million and £400 million and will create a state-of-the-art, year-round family tourist destination.

It would be the first Center Parcs site in Scotland, joining its six villages at Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire, Elveden Forest in Suffolk, Longleat Forest in Wiltshire, Whinfell Forest in Cumbria, Woburn Forest in Bedfordshire and Longford Forest in Ireland.

The submission of the planning application follows eight months of public consultation, including four statutory consultation events in Lilliesleaf, Denholm, Selkirk and Hawick, which heard from more than 1,000 members of the public.

If approved, the new village would feature around 700 lodges and apartments set in newly created woodland, the iconic Subtropical Swimming Paradise, a village centre with shops and restaurants, and the signature Aqua Sana Forest Spa – a tranquil retreat nestled in a natural setting.

Other key features of the proposal include two newly created lochs designed for water sports and recreation, a combined Nature and Heritage Centre with an adjacent restaurant and coffee shop, wildflower meadows, nature trails, and wetlands to promote biodiversity as well as a wide range of outdoor activities.

In addition, Center Parcs plans to plant a forest at the proposed site, in a new approach for the business.

Typically, Center Parcs builds its villages in commercial woodlands, improving biodiversity through careful forest management. The proposed Scottish site is predominantly open grassland and Center Parcs says it would plant thousands of native species to create a diverse and thriving woodland.

If given the go ahead, the development is expected to support between 750 and 800 jobs during the construction phase and create approximately 1,200 permanent roles once operational.

Colin McKinlay, chief executive of Center Parcs, said: “We’re thrilled to submit our planning application for our proposed Center Parcs village in Scotland.

“Since unveiling our initial plans in November, it’s been a busy and rewarding eight months of consultation. We’ve listened carefully to feedback from local communities and stakeholders and have worked hard to shape a proposal that is both ambitious and sensitive to its surroundings.

“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who took the time to engage with us. Their insights have helped us develop a design that blends seamlessly with the natural landscape while delivering high-quality accommodation and leisure experiences for families.

“This is an exciting opportunity – not just for Center Parcs but for the Scottish Borders. As we witnessed when we opened our newest location in Longford in Ireland in 2019, a new village has the potential to transform local tourism, create year-round employment and bring a significant boost to the regional economy.

“Center Parcs continues to be a hugely popular destination for families across the UK and Ireland. With many families in Scotland already travelling to our existing villages in England, a Scottish location would allow them to enjoy a premium holiday experience closer to home – while supporting jobs, businesses and tourism in the region.”