A DECISION will be made this week on if new flats can be built in Shawhill and Springbells Roads in Annan.
However, there’s growing opposition locally to the development by Wheatley Homes.
Six letters of opposition have so far been lodged with Dumfries and Galloway Council against the ‘Livingwell’ scheme, which would be for over 55s.
However, this paper understands many more residents in the area are also preparing to object.
They are upset that the social housing landlord’s proposals are for three storey structures, when they say they were told it would be houses.
Other concerns include loss of privacy and sunlight to neighbouring properties; possible interference with mobile phone coverage; and lack of parking.
The application will go before the planning committee of Dumfries and Galloway Council later this week for a decision.
A report on the issue has been drawn up for councillors, in which it’s noted the new properties are to be eco-friendly with solar panels and air source heat pumps.
Case officer Chris McTeir wrote: “The application site, which measures approximately 0.14 hectares, is located within the Newington area of Annan, 0.88 kilometres east of the town centre.
“The site is located within an established residential area at the corner of Shawhill Road and Springbells Road. It has been recently cleared but previously the site contained two blocks of three-storey flats, formerly 11 and 13 Shawhill Road.
“Planning permission is sought for the erection of an independent living facility comprising of 12 flatted dwellings over three storeys (eight two-bedroom flats and four three-bedroom flats) with associated parking areas, bins store, scooter store, fencing and landscaping.”
The proposed development is the same height as the previous blocks of flats at this location, however the mass of the overall development has increased slightly.
The development is approximately 18.5m from the existing houses on Springbells Road and 25m from those on Shawhill Road.
Meanwhile, the council’s road officer has also highlighted the lack of parking spaces in the plans, stating: “Submitted site plans show 12 car parking spaces, including one disabled space, which is an under-provision of 14 spaces.
“It should be noted that the previous flatted dwellings on the development site would have required 24 car parking spaces.”
- Above, the demolition of the old flats
