A PLANNING application has been submitted to Scottish Borders Council for the creation of the Flodden memorial garden in the grounds of Selkirk’s Victoria Halls.
In November, controversy was stirred up over the garden after the resignation of Lady Judy Steel from her position on the organising committee.
She cited a lack of choice about the garden design, a failure to take the opportunity to engage for free the services of an internationally renowned landscape architect and the committee’s decision not to appoint volunteer project managers as her reasons for stepping down.
However the remainder of the committee have persevered with the scheme and this week a planning application was submitted to the council.
The garden will take up the corner of the grounds closest to the junction of Scotts Place and Chapel Street.
A drawing submitted with the application shows a seating area with the Flodden 500 insignia in the centre of the garden, created using glass embedded in concrete.
A memorial plaque will be erected on the inside of the boundary wall on the corner of the site and five interpretation panels will be installed among the central planting area.
Two rowan trees are proposed, as well as three pole cherry trees.
Paving in the garden will include natural red sandstone for the outer path. Basalt coloured cobble-style paving will be used in the central seating area.
Designed by Galashiels-based James Garden Landscaping, the scheme features a large number of native plants, either blue or red in colour.
A decision on the scheme is due by May 10, with the official opening scheduled to take place on September 7.
The Landfill Communities Fund granted over £17,000 towards the cost of the project.