A GROUP of Torthorwald residents are strongly opposing plans for a new housing development because they fear it could lead to road safety issues.
Mr R B Oliphant has submitted a revised planning application to Dumfries and Galloway Council to build eight houses on land north of Highfield Drive in the village.
Council planning chiefs are recommending that the development goes ahead, subject to conditions around affordable housing provision and contributing money towards Heathhall Primary School and nursery.
However, there have been 13 objections to the plans, seven of which come from nearby residents in Highfield View and four from householders in Highfield Court.
The main sticking point for locals is complications around new roads access onto the A709, as well as new footpath access, which they argue will increase danger and put pedestrians at risk
One wrote: “The proposed access is on a bend on the A709 with reduced visibility. Undoubtedly this would be unsafe for vehicles and pedestrians on the busy A709 or those accessing or exiting the estate.
“Villagers already have concerns on road safety and have held meetings with councillors and police on this matter in the past. This was the reason the community council installed speed warning cameras.
“The A709 is a very busy road with heavy traffic and log lorries. The road has raised numerous concerns from the residents of Torthorwald with regards to the safety of the road in respect of drivers and pedestrians.
“Despite traffic speed warning devices, the speed that vehicles travel through the village is horrendous.”
Meanwhile, Torthorwald Community Council (TCC) has written to the council to express concerns around road safety – but has not formally objected to the housing development.
The group’s letter reads: “TCC is particularly concerned with the proposed access to the A709 main road (Dumfries to Lockerbie) as the traffic data generated by the existing speed warning devices indicates that over 25,000 vehicles use that road in each four-week period and include large numbers of heavy vehicles carrying timber to the sawmill near Lockerbie.
“In addition, the proposed access to the A709 is close to a sharp bend at the north-east end of the village and would constitute a potential hazard to all traffic.”
Mr Oliphant’s plans are downsized from a previous application that was submitted, and then withdrawn in 2024 for ten houses.
Councillors will make a decision on the matter at next Wednesday’s planning committee.
