SBC leader Euan Jardine said the decision to approve the move was “warmly welcome”.
“We appreciate ministers’ acknowledgement of the extensive work undertaken to address the concerns raised by access groups and local residents, and their agreement that these can be appropriately mitigated through the proposals put forward,” he said.
“This positive decision provides clarity and confidence for the project to move forward, bringing significant economic and employment opportunities to the Borders, while ensuring our communities and environment are respected.”
Ramblers Scotland raised concern about the precedent the move could set as it might encourage others to come forward with proposals which would have a “greater negative impact” on outdoor access.
ScotWays – the Scottish Rights of Way and Access Society – raised an objection with similar concerns and the possibility of erosion of the rights of responsible access nationally.
It argued the move to restrict access was “contrary to the spirit and purpose” of the Land Reform Act and was “excessive in scope”.