Plans for over 100 homes to be discussed
A meeting will be held
More than 100 new homes are earmarked for Dumfries – but there’s an expensive stumbling block for the developer.
Story Homes has submitted a planning application with Dumfries and Galloway Council to construct 108 houses on land at Marchfield, off Devorgilla Drive.
The site is about 2km north-east of Dumfries town centre, and the development is the next part of the Marchfield estate, which has been built in phases since 2008.
However, the nursery and schools in the area are nearly at full capacity therefore the council’s education department is calling on Story Homes to make a contribution towards educational provision – which totals £2.3 million.
Council planning papers state: “The development lies within the catchment area for Noblehill Primary School and Nursery and Dumfries High School.
“All three schools/stages of education are operating in excess of 90 percent utilisation; therefore education contribution should be sought for all 108 units.”
“The contribution per unit, broken down by school/stage of education would be: Noblehill Primary School Nursery: £2,399.42; Noblehill Primary School: £12,410.81; and Dumfries High School: £6,636.34.”
The total calculaton per house is £21,446.57, and the total for the entire 108-home development is £2,316,229.62.
The developer’s viability assessment argues the scheme cannot afford to fund the contribution, with the report stating: “There is no scope to provide contributions towards affordable housing or nursery, primary or secondary education within the associated catchment.”
This means it will be down to councillors to decide whether to accept Story Homes’ case that it cannot afford the £2.3 million contribution, or insist the money is paid before construction can begin.
The area is set aside for up to 1,000 homes in the council’s local development plan.
The proposed new homes are a mix of three, four and five-bedroom houses. Most would be two storeys high. The report says the homes would be “principally two-storey (except ‘Nairn’ including accommodation in the roof space, dormer to front and roof light to rear).”
The plan also includes 298 car parking spaces, a drainage basin, a pumping station and a children’s play area.
Council planning case officer Rob Lilburn is recommending approval, subject to conditions, and his report confirms that some trees would need to be cut down.
Seventeen homes on Devorgilla Place, Devorgilla Road and Summerpark Road objected to the plan. People are worried the new homes will bring too many cars and more traffic.
They are also concerned about road safety, both during building work and once people move in. Other worries include noise, air pollution, and traffic problems at the Edinburgh Road junction.
Residents are also unhappy about how the new homes could affect their view, privacy and green space nearby. Some are worried about the loss of ancient woodland and protected trees. Others questioned whether enough checks had been done on wildlife and trees, and whether the builder’s money report can be trusted.
The application will be determined by councillors at the planning committee this Thursday.