Councillors this week agreed to adopt the Chapelcross Development Framework.
Speaking at the economy, environment and infrastructure committee on Tuesday, Annandale and Eskdale area committee chairman Councillor Ronnie Ogilvie said: “There has been a lot of speculation locally about what is going to happen with Chapelcross and about the loss of jobs at the site.
“I am pleased that the report has been presented to councillors demonstrating our commitment to taking action now.”
Developed through a participatory planning process involved a range of key stakeholders, the framework sets out a shared and aspirational vision for the redevelopment of the site.
It notes that developing the future of the Chapelcross site is a ‘complex and challenging task’ that requires a very long-term perspective.
The site owned by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority is described as ‘huge’, but only about 30 per cent of the land area will be available for development up to 2028.
Other parcels may be de-licensed over time, but the area around the reactors will remain unavailable until 2095.
Recent weeks have seen momentum build behind the idea of creating a pioneering green energy park on the site.
However, the framework has clear key strategic goals, including the identification by the council of local firms with property requirements or expansion plans and exploring opportunities for relocation to Chapelcross.
It also calls to identify and build a consensus view in regard to the best mechanism for attracting Scottish and UK Government support for taking forward initiatives for the site based on the agreed vision, strategic goals and objectives.
Welcoming the agreement, Councillor Ogilvie said: “This sets out our intentions and gives a clear steer on the plans for the site.”
