Vacant and Derelict Land
Vacant and derelict land and property can blight communities, harm wellbeing, and limit opportunities. The Council's Local Development Plan and Strategic Housing Investment Plan focus on tackling vacant and derelict sites and prioritising brownfield land.
Bringing these sites back into productive use could help us tackle climate change, improve health and wellbeing, create more resilient communities and rebuild our economy. By prioritising their reuse and protecting our existing natural capital and environment, we can ensure that future investment goes into areas where it is needed the most, supporting shared ambitions for place, housing, community regeneration and town centres.
The redevelopment of vacant and derelict land and property is supported by the Local Development Plan and National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4). The following actions when identifying sites for development are encouraged:
- to encourage, promote and facilitate the reuse of brownfield, vacant and derelict land and empty buildings, and to help reduce the need for greenfield development.
- where possible, avoid the use of prime quality agricultural land.
- Support in principle the redevelopment of brownfield sites.
Strategy
Vacant and Derelict Land Survey
The Council completes an annual survey of the extent and state of Vacant and Derelict Land in Dumfries and Galloway to report to the Scottish Government. A list of sites on the 2023 return can be found below:
The information from all Scottish Councils is published in a report Scottish Vacant And Derelict Land Survey 2022. Scottish Vacant and Derelict Land Survey - Site Register.
Full guidance for the survey can be found at:
An overall report for Dumfries and Galloway is provided for the Local Development Plan. The latest version below was completed in January 2024.
Dumfries and Galloway Council have collated and produced an information pack of all the sites registered on the Scottish Vacant and Derelict Land Register. The information is based on the 2021 survey and is currently being updated to include new sites and changes from the 2022 and 2023 survey.
Smaller sites
Sites must be over 0.1 hectare in size to be included on the Vacant and Derelict Land Register. There are also many smaller sites which can cause problems for communities. The Council is collecting information on these sites and putting in place a strategy that ensures smaller sites highlighted by local communities can also receive the support required to be brought back into meaningful use.
Empty Properties
Privately owned homes which are empty for six months or more are a waste and could be used to help meet housing need. They can also cause problems for nearby residents and the wider community. The Council works to bring such properties back into use.
For more information on Empty Homes
- Empty homes - Dumfries and Galloway Council (dumgal.gov.uk)
- Report an empty home - Dumfries and Galloway Council (dumgal.gov.uk)
Reporting Vacant or Derelict Land and Property
Please use this flow chart below to find out who to contact about vacant or derelict land and property then contact the appropriate service using the details below:
Further information
Resources to help bring vacant and derelict land back into productive use:
- Transforming Vacant and Derelict Land - Housing & Development - Our work - Scottish Land Commission
- Ownerless property: Home | KLTR
For further information and advice:
- Email: gillian.flack@dumgal.gov.uk
