Approval to undertake the consultation was given at the Planning and Building Standards Committee held on 2 March 2026, where it was agreed that residents, businesses, property owners and other stakeholders should be given the opportunity to comment on the draft before a final version was brought back to elected members for consideration and potential adoption as planning guidance.

The draft document provides a comprehensive assessment of the town’s historic development, architecture and townscape, and sets out a framework to guide the future management, repair and enhancement of buildings and spaces within the Hawick Conservation Area. 

The conservation area contains over 130 listed buildings and represents one of the most historically and architecturally significant town centres in the Scottish Borders. The appraisal examines the town’s distinctive historic layout, its relationship to the River Teviot and Slitrig Water, and the legacy of the textile industry that shaped the town’s development.

Importantly, the document builds upon the investment and activity delivered through the Hawick Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS). The new appraisal and management plan seeks to safeguard that legacy by providing an updated evidence base to guide future regeneration initiatives, heritage repair projects and planning decisions affecting the conservation area.

The consultation will run from 20 March to 14 June.

A number of in‑person drop‑in events are being arranged to give interested members of the public the opportunity to speak directly with council officers about the draft plan. Display boards, printed summaries and consultation materials will be available at each event. Full details will be published on the Council’s website and social media channels once confirmed.

Written responses may be submitted by email to heritage@scotborders.gov.uk and by post to Heritage and Design Planning, Housing and Related Services, Corporate Governance, Scottish Borders Council, Newtown St Boswells TD6 0SA.

Nuala McKinlay, director of corporate governance at Scottish Borders Council, said: “Hawick’s historic buildings, streets and open spaces are central to the town’s identity, and this draft Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan sets out an important framework for how we can protect and enhance that character in the years ahead.

“We want to ensure the document fully reflects what makes Hawick special, from the key buildings and views to the historic features that shape the conservation area. This consultation is an opportunity for residents, businesses and all those with an interest in the town to help refine the proposals and guide future management of the area.

“All feedback will be carefully reviewed and, where appropriate, incorporated into the final plan before it returns to the Planning and Building Standards Committee for consideration.”

If adopted, the Hawick Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan will become Supplementary Planning Guidance, helping inform planning decisions and future investment in the town’s historic environment.