RSS Press releases

A SHIP sets out a Local Authority’s strategic investment objectives for housing over a 5 year period. It reinforces the Council’s role as the strategic housing authority, informs Scottish Government investment decisions, and is the basis for the preparation of a Strategic Local Programme Agreement. It’s the key document for identifying proposed projects which require Affordable Housing Supply Programme (AHSP) funding support.

Development of high quality, energy efficient dwellings contribute to tackling a range of socio-economic challenges and helps to provide secure homes that have a positive effect on the lives of people living in the region. Building affordable homes within walking distance of local services also enables people to live better, healthier lives and supports the Council’s net zero carbon ambitions.

In September last year our Council’s Economy and Resources Committee noted the Resource Planning Assumptions (RPA) allocated to this region and agreed the submission of the updated SHIP for 2021. To allow our Council to plan the delivery of housing supply for 2021/22 to 2025/26, a total RPA of £106.148m has been allocated from the AHSP to the region. The total RPA for Dumfries and Galloway in 2020-21 was £23.264m, which was exceeded with actual expenditure of £24.048m. This level of investment, during a year which saw a 3 month pause on construction activities due to COVID restrictions, was possible due to the large number of site starts achieved during 2019-20 and 2020-21. Whilst the majority of investment has supported development by Registered Social Landlords, additionally investment from the Rural and Islands Housing Fund and Partnership Support for Regeneration programme has been secured locally. It can be estimated that overall investment of around £44m has been supported locally via projects included in the SHIP.

Members of Economy and Resources Committee (15 Feb) will receive a report on potential new projects to the SHIP, which is a live document and subject to change. As part of the Council’s regular engagement with development partners, two new projects have been submitted by Loreburn Housing Association seeking their inclusion in the SHIP:

College Mains Phase 2, College Road, Dumfries

This proposal aims to provide a total of 33 homes built to Passivhaus energy standards. The mix of homes will see 20 extra care/supported housing units and 13 general needs. The Council’s Planning Applications Committee have already approved the application for Planning in Principle. It is currently estimated that total investment at this site will be around £7.1million. While the site is currently greenfield, it is well placed for local services and opportunities for active travel.

Haley’s Yard, Terregles Road, Dumfries

This site is included on the Council’s Vacant and Derelict Land Register and is situated in a predominantly residential area. This proposal will seek to remediate the site and provide 22 new affordable homes built to Passivhaus standards. This brownfield site is also well located for local services and access to active travel routes. It is currently estimated that this development will deliver investment in excess of £4.2million

Chair of Economy and Resources Committee, Rob Davidson said: “ Affordable, energy efficient homes provide the much needed security families require to work, learn and thrive. Providing suitable accommodation, free from overcrowding, gives children a safe space for homework and play. This significant investment also creates and sustains local employment opportunities, helping the region to retain working age people. While Dumfries continues to be an area of high demand, It’s good to see potential developments to meet housing needs across the region are currently being scoped.”

Vice Chair of E&R and D&G Housing Forum Chair, Archie Dryburgh said: “The delivery of the SHIP makes a significant contribution towards a number of Council priorities, to: ‘Urgently respond to climate change and transition to a carbon neutral region’; ‘Protect our most vulnerable people’; ‘Provide the best start in life for all our children’ and ‘Build the local economy’. With the building of new homes comes a boost to our construction industry, and therefore jobs for local people, building sustainable communities and boosting the economy.”