SHAWHILL Road residents are up in arms over plans to replace flats with flats.
It comes after Wheatley Homes South submitted an application to construct a new three storey block containing 17 dwellings as part of their Annan regeneration plans.
Proposals were put forward just weeks after the old block at Shawhill Road was demolished.
But those living near the site, who attended engagement sessions held by the social housing provider, claim plans to build new flats were never made clear.
They do not object to new houses at the site, but the possibility of new flats has made them worried about future anti-social behaviour issues and upset that their newly found privacy will be taken away.
However, Wheatley say the new residences, part of their Livingwell Service, will be strictly for residents over 55.
They insist that their plans were made clear, but say they will still listen to views from the community.
Sandra Crosby attended one of the engagement sessions at St Andrews Social Club. She said yesterday: “There was no mention of flats in the plans. It looked like 15 to 17 houses; it did not look like flats. Why knock the existing flats down to build new ones?
“There was 12 before and now there’s going to be 17. I don’t know how they are going to get them in.
“We have had anti-social behaviour problems for 30 years. We also get sunlight and privacy now. When you’re sitting eating your tea people in the flats can see right in.”
Jimmy Steel also raised his concerns, saying: “We all thought that it would be houses but it’s not. Why would you knock flats down to build flats? It doesn’t make sense, does it?
“I have been in touch with the planning people and others in the street have also objected.
“You get a bit of sunshine at night now, it makes a bit of a difference to the light and warmth in the house.
“We don’t mind them building houses here, that would be nice.
“The flats are also going to put more traffic on the street. The parking’s going to be alright, but it’s going to put extra traffic on the street and it’s already bad enough.”
A Wheatley spokesperson said: “The views of residents are really important in the regeneration plans for Newington as we want to make sure the new energy-efficient homes meet the needs of the local community.
“We have consulted extensively with the community over the past two years, making clear the new-build plans include different housing types.
“This included a public meeting, where people were able to comment on the plans, and at community council meetings as well as updates to the local media.
“There is a real need for homes for older people across Dumfries and Galloway. These plans include one block of flats for Livingwell, which allows people aged 55 and over to live independently for longer, with support from staff, in specially adapted homes, with access to a communal area to help tackle social isolation.
“Plans are still at an early stage, and we will continue to listen carefully to the views of local people and discuss the proposals with the community.”
