Local Development Plan (LDP2)

Local Development Plans (LDP) set out how and where land and property will be used in Dumfries and Galloway. It sets out a vision for how areas will change and describe where development will take place and where it will not. Planning applications are assessed against the development plan.

Development Planning

The Scottish Parliament approved National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) on 11 January 2023. NPF4 has now formally been adopted by Scottish Minister on 13 February 2023.

Dumfries and Galloway development plan now consists of:

Now NPF4 is adopted, all planning applications will be assessed against the above. Where policies in NPF4 contradict those in LDP2 and its associated Supplementary Guidance then NPF4, as the most recent plan, will take precedence.

The Development Plan Scheme (DPS) sets out the programme for preparing and reviewing the Development Plan. You can comment on the DPS through the feedback form and also register for e-mail updates.

Documents and Further Information

A paper version of LDP2 can be viewed at local libraries and planning offices:

  • Kirkbank House, English Street, Dumfries, DG1 2HS (call 01387 260199)
  • Ashwood House, Sun Street, Stranraer, DG9 7JJ (call 01776 888468)

Design awards

The Dumfries and Galloway Design Awards set out to recognise, promote and celebrate innovative and exceptional design in new and adapted buildings across the region.

Simplified Planning Zone

The Council are promoting self-build residential plots on a site at Hardthorn Road Dumfries. This Simplified Planning Zone (SPZ) Scheme will guide developers to develop their own plots without the need for planning permission subject to the guidelines set out in the Scheme. 

A 6-week public consultation ran from 11 September to 23 October 2020 to allow comments on the scheme to be considered prior to adoption. A summary of these comments and the Council responses are contained in the Statement of Decisions.

The Scheme and the Statement of Decisions were considered by the Economy and Resources Committee on November 24th 2020 and the Scheme was approved for adoption. Notice of the Schemes adoption was published in local newspapers on January 15th 2021.

If you are interested in self-build please contact us at LDP@dumgal.gov.uk and we shall add you to our Self Build Register. Further information and updates of the scheme will be provided on this webpage.

Indicative Regional Spatial Strategy

The Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 establishes a duty for a planning authority, or authorities acting jointly, to prepare and adopt a Regional Spatial Strategy.  Although this part of the Act has to be enacted, the Scottish Government encouraged planning authorities to develop an Indicative Regional Spatial Strategy (IRSS) for their area which will inform the review of the National Planning Framework (NPF4) which is currently underway.

An iRSS has been produced jointly by Dumfries and Galloway Council and Scottish Borders Council  for the South of Scotland.

Page last updated: 10/08/2023
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