Flats revamp plan unveiled

Greenleaf House Co Ltd is seeking permission to renovate the Mill Court flats on Bridge Street and create homes that feel like ‘permanent sanctuaries’ for young people, where they can feel safe.

It will also bring new employment to the town with the creation of jobs.

As part of the application, a statement explains that the applicant is a residential care provider and also offers education, transitional and supported living services.

The concept statement reads: “Young people’s needs can vary and having the opportunity to reside in a supported living setting within a flatted development like Mill Court will allow young people to move towards their goal of independence.

“Each flat contains one bedroom with kitchen and bathroom to ensure privacy and dignity with the opportunity of 24-hour support from a small staff team as and when required.”

The proposal seeks to retain the property as it is, but upgrade the building.

The statement adds: “It may be in due course that the operator seeks to convert the basement space.

“The three-storey building has been vacant for some time and is showing signs of significant neglect.

“It represents a prominent building close to the town centre and to which we consider the proposal to be acceptable both in form and purpose.

“The proposal seeks to invest and upgrade the property and bring it back into active use.

“It will also bring with it new employment to Lockerbie, as well as fulfilling a needs as an essential supported living setting.”

The plans have been submitted to Dumfries and Galloway Council for consideration and neighbours have been notified.