RSS Press releases

Members of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Economy and Resources Committee (15^th June) will receive a report on a number of topics relating to the Local Development Plan (LDP2).

Included in the LDP2 is the allocation of the site at Murtholm, Langholm for the building of 200 houses. The site guidance requires a masterplan to be prepared for the site because of its scale and agreed with the Council. The Masterplan for the site will contribute to the economic recovery in the area post Covid-19 and will allow development of the site to proceed for private and affordable housing. The site is included in the Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) for the delivery of affordable housing units by Loreburn Housing Association, some of these units will be extra care houses as Loreburn have been working with the Adult Health and Social Care Partnership to provide homes for people with particular needs. Adoption of the Masterplan will contribute to the delivery of this programme.

Also included in the report will be information on the requirement for all new buildings to demonstrate that a proportion of the carbon emissions reduction standard set by Scottish Building Regulations will be met through the installation and operation of low and zero carbon technologies. As technology advances, building construction techniques have improved to reduce their carbon impact. Although new build only provides a very small annual increase in current stock, the policy requirement will set a positive trend for the impact new buildings have on carbon emissions. This guidance supports the Councils Climate Emergency declaration and commitment to being a carbon neutral region and encourages developers to aspire to the Councils targets. Subject to the outcome of the Committee’s consideration of the draft supplementary guidance documents, will be issued for a minimum 6 weeks public consultation period.

Members will also be asked to consider responses received to the Annan Conservation Area Character Appraisal and Management Plan (CACAMP) which identifies, describes and evaluates the key features of the Conservation Area which contribute to character and includes in the same document, proposed actions which will help manage that character.

Chair of Economy and Resources Committee, Rob Davidson said: “The LDP2 is key to supporting our priority of boosting the local economy and will help us encourage the right developments in the right place and attract much needed new investment to our area.  It is a base for decision making on planning applications and provides the vision for how our local communities will be preserved, grow and develop in the future.”

Vice Chair, Archie Dryburgh said: “This report underlines why the LDP2 is so important: because it supports our vision for the future development of the region. The LDP2 seeks to promote sustainable economic growth, which is much needed during the economic downturn caused by COVID. It builds upon the special qualities of our area which make it an attractive place to live and do business, whilst at the same time recognising the importance of place making and protecting our most valuable build and natural assets.”