First phase of £130m housing estate overhaul approved

The first phase of a £130m overhaul of a large housing estate in southern Scotland has been approved.

It marks the start of the long-term regeneration programme in the Lochside area of Dumfries being delivered by social landlord Wheatley, Dumfries and Galloway Council and the Scottish government.

The development will see 52 new affordable homes constructed at Findlater Court and Syme Road.

The wider programme will see existing properties upgraded, hundreds of energy-efficient homes built and new green spaces created.

Lindsay Lauder, director of development and regeneration at Wheatley, said it marked an "exciting new chapter" for the area and the "first step in a transformational regeneration programme".

"The approval of the new-build site at Findlater Court and Syme Road not only paves the way for 52 new affordable homes, but it kick-starts wider plans that will see around £130m invested in Lochside over the coming years," she said.

"The vision for Lochside has been shaped by tenants, residents and local groups, whose views have been at the heart of the regeneration proposals from the very beginning."

Andy Ferguson, who chairs DGC's economy and infrastructure committee, said: "We are committed to supporting the delivery of affordable housing that creates places where communities can thrive.

"The focus on Lochside will improve the quality of housing, enhance the local environment and create opportunities for future generations.

"Personally, I am also delighted to see that specialist homes will be built for people with health needs bringing them closer to their family and friends."

Meanwhile, a decision on another housing development in the town has been put on hold.

Planning councillors decided to carry out a site visit to the Marchfield area, where Story Homes wants to construct more than 100 new properties, before deciding its fate.