Councillors have pushed back on controversial £45 million plans for a “care campus” at Ladyfield.
Members of the economy and resources committee yesterday voted to take “no further proactive work” over the proposal at this time.
Plans were submitted by The Crichton Trust for around 350 homes in a “multi-generational”, carbon-neutral community which would be the first of its kind in Britain.
But they faced a strong backlash from the local community with a group set up to oppose the development.
Save Ladyfield campaigners feels there is now a “strong possibility” that the plans will be removed from the council’s local development plan (LDP).
Councillors faced three options: progress with delivering the site, note a masterplan had been prepared or review the housing allocation under local development plan policies, with no further work taken to progress disposal of the site.
A motion by Councillor Malcolm Johnstone, seconded by Councillor Sean Marshall, sought backing for option three and also to look at a masterplan for Dumfries town centre and review housing requirements for key workers and older
people.
Mr Marshall said: “We believe blocks of flats up to five storeys are wholly inappropriate for what is essentially a semi-rural site.
“Even the proposal to have 350 homes on two-thirds of the site is a significant over-development in our opinion.
“The ambitions to lower car use are commendable but it’s unclear if they’re realistic or achievable. They’re certainly not enforceable.
“What we’re being asked to consider is not acceptable to the community or the Labour group. What started off as a plan for a care-type development has become a significant housing estate instead.
“What the masterplan has highlighted is the significant demand for housing in Dumfries and the current inadequate supply of sheltered housing for older people and high quality flats for key workers who are starting out in a new career or moving to the area.”
The motion was passed by 16 votes to five.
A spokeswoman for the Save Ladyfield group said it was a “great result”.
She added: “We welcome the decision from the committee today. The outcome has been positive for our campaign but also for Dumfries town centre.
“There is a strong possibility that Ladyfield will be removed from the LDP. The council will now hopefully move forward with a masterplan for the town centre.
“There is also an opportunity for a local place plan to be developed further by the Kingholm Quay Community Council for Ladyfield to be adopted.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those that have supported our campaign over the last four years.”
The Crichton Trust was approached for comment.
Members will receive a report on the housing review in September.
