Local Development Plan

The technical papers, land use audits and supporting documents for the Local Development Plan 2 provide background information and evidence that it is not possible or appropriate to include in the Plan.

Technical papers

These documents provide background information and an evidence base to policies and strategies contained in the Plan.

The technical papers include:

• studies that were undertaken
• explanations as to how boundaries have been drawn, such as regional scenic areas 
• more of an explanation to a strategy contained in the Plan

Land use audits

We have to make sure that there is land available across the region for developers to build houses. This is so that the demand for housing in the region can be met for at least the next 5 years. It is a requirement of Scottish planning policy.

Audits are produced each year and allow us to identify trends. The region is divided into 'Housing Market Areas':

• Annan
• Dumfries
• Eskdale
• Mid Galloway
• Stewartry
• Stranraer

2023 housing land audit

The audit provides a comprehensive description of all current sites for housing in Dumfries and Galloway as of 31 March 2023.

Available capacity at water and waste water treatment works can be found using Scottish Water's online asset capacity search tool.

2024 business and industry land audit

It is also important to have up-to-date and accurate information on the supply and availability of business and industrial land in Dumfries and Galloway.

This is done by:

• monitoring whether sites allocated in the plan have been developed
• assessing the availability of sites that haven't been developed

The audit provides a comprehensive assessment as of 31 March 2024.

Monitoring statement

The monitoring statement focuses on the impacts the adopted Local Development Plan (LDP) has had on the area and whether the spatial strategy and policy objectives have been realised.

State of the environment report

The state of the environment report considers the range of environmental aspects of the regions environment, including social economic factors.

Vacant and derelict land survey

Vacant and derelict land and property can blight communities, harm wellbeing, and limit opportunities. The Local Development Plan and Strategic Housing Investment Plan focuses on tackling vacant and derelict sites and prioritising brownfield land. 

We undertake an annual survey of the extent and state of vacant and derelict land in Dumfries and Galloway to report to the Scottish Government. For more information go to vacant and derelict land.

Local biodiversity action plan 

The local biodiversity action plan is to be used to take positive steps to conserve and enhance biodiversity throughout Dumfries and Galloway.