Fresh plans for a care home near a Neolithic ritual monument in Dumfries are facing opposition.
Real estate developer Simply UK is seeking council consent to build a 60-bed facility on land between Park Road and Dalbeattie Road.
It withdrew a previous bid for a 70-bed care home amid objections relating to its proximity to the Curriestanes Cursus – the remains of a 6,000-year-old rectangular enclosure.
But the latest application is being recommended for refusal by the council on the grounds that it would have an adverse impact on the western approach to Dumfries and would be “overly dominant” in the landscape.
And the local authority archaeologist, Andrew Nicholson, has again highlighted the presence of the Neolithic ritual monument which is listed on the schedule of monuments of national significance held by Historic Environment Scotland.
Residents living near the site have also expressed concerns about noise and described the plans as “totally out of character” for the area. The council has received 20 objections on grounds including road safety and noise.
One objection states: “We wish to object to yet another attempt to overdevelop this site on the following grounds.
“We envisage there will be an increase in indiscriminate parking on Dalbeattie Road.
“As well as noise and disruption caused during any proposed construction period, we also have concerns on the operational noise impact will have on the amenity of the area. The site adjoins and may even encroach on the site of Curriestanes Cursus which is a scheduled ancient monument whose environment should be carefully protected.”
