But her fellow councillors have largely welcomed the ambitious proposals for the largely derelict site, which it is anticipated will create a mix of 250 full and part-time jobs.

Mrs Elliot said she would fight the plans every step of the way.
"I don't think we need another supermarket in Hawick and I don't care whether that is palatable news or not," she said.
"I think we have enough supermarkets, you only need to look at what's happened to Galashiels, their main street is very quiet now because of the Asda and Tesco stores. That's what I'm scared of.

"We have the one-way system and that encourages people to shop in the centre of the town and I know the shopkeepers are delighted with it.
"I think another supermarket would kill the high street dead."

The town's ailing economy has been hit hard over the last 12 months, with the closure of Pringle of Scotland and job losses at Hawick Knitwear – where staff are currently working a three-day week – and Hawick Cashmere.

While high street giants Woolworths are due to close their doors next week.

However, Mrs Elliot feared Sainsbury's would result in even more job losses.
She added: "How many shops would close as a result of this? You've got to look at the other side of the coin. I feel very strongly about this and I'll certainly be voting against it."

However, the reaction has been much more positive from councillors George Turnbull, Davie Paterson, Ron Smith and Jock Houston.

Mr Houston said: "As chairman of the planning committee, I can't express a view, but I'm sure many people will think this is fantastic news and a real shot in the arm for the town, which has lost, and is continuing to lose, far too many jobs."

While Mr Paterson added: "I'm euphoric. This is absolutely brilliant news for Hawick.

"I'm sure there will be some who will have concerns about the impact this will have on the High Street, but the simple fact is we need jobs in the town.
"I think you will see all the doom and gloom merchants coming out trying to destroy this through campaigns against it, and it might impact on retailers in the town, but that's business."

Mr Smith was similarly optimistic about the proposed development, although he sounded several notes of caution.
He said: "The 250 jobs promised, and the additional jobs required for construction, cannot be turned away in the present economic climate.

"The town is well served by supermarkets already, and there has to be concern that one or other of the existing stores could be forced out. I am also hugely concerned by the potential impact on smaller shopkeepers.

"Personally, I prefer the service offered by individual shops, and I don't want them to be overwhelmed by supermarkets. There might, however, be benefits for some local shopkeepers with distinctive merchandise. They will see such a development as either an opportunity or as yet one more threat."

And Mr Turnbull added: "I certainly think it's something that has to be welcomed although I've got concerns over the impact another supermarket will have on Somerfield, Iceland, Lidl and Farmfoods. There's only so many times the cake can be divided and you can only spend £1 once.

"However, I think we've got to back anything that brings employment to Hawick."