Revitalising our Town Centres.
Monday, 07 November 2022 12:19
Members of the Council’s Economy and Resources Committee (E&R) (15 Nov) will be asked to agree to allocations from the £1million 2022/23 Town Centre Living Fund, which aims to provide more affordable homes within walking distance of existing local services.
The regeneration of town centres continues to be a priority, with the Council Plan 2017-22
committing to invest £1million a year in the Town Centre Living Fund (TCLF). This is funded from revenue generated by reducing the Council Tax discount on second and long-term unoccupied homes. This funding must be utilised in support of the delivery of local housing priorities.
Members of the committee will be asked to:
? Allocate an additional £100k from the Council Tax on second homes budget to the 2022/23 Town Centre Living Fund.
? Allocate £250k from the 2022/23 Town Centre Projects budget to support the delivery of the Strategic Housing Investment Plan project at the former Glenbay Hotel, Glenluce. The development aims to provide ten family homes for social rent. The total cost is now estimated to be in excess of £3million, including the demolition of the existing building which has been completed.
? Allocate £100k from the 2022/23 Empty Properties budget to support the renovation of Dunbae House, Stranraer. Planning permission has been awarded conditionally for change of use to form five flatted dwelling houses. Total cost of works is estimated to be in excess of £300k.
The Local Development Plan 2 (LDP) highlights support for the Town Centre First Principle: an approach that considers the health and vibrancy of town centres from the outset. Enabling development of high quality and affordable housing in these locations increases the number of people living in our town centres while also supporting the Council’s Climate Emergency Declaration Strategic Plan.
Chair of Economy and Resources, Katie Hagmann said: “Our Council will do all that it can to revitalise our town centres, boost the local economy, and to help people remain in their own communities. High-quality accommodation is a key driver to create footfall and support vital regeneration. It also contributes to tackling the climate crisis through lowering carbon emissions by providing homes within easy access of services and employment and reduces the need for travel by car. Finding a sustainable use for empty properties and derelict sites also helps retain and maintain our area’s built heritage.”
Vice Chair, Sean Marshall said: “This funding enables the region to attract inward investment which helps with the areas economic recovery and stimulates town centres throughout Dumfries and Galloway. In these difficult financial times, the increasing expense of delivering affordable homes is being felt throughout the country and every effort is being made to secure funding to help meet the rising cost of construction. Analysis has shown that house prices in this region have increased by over 12% during the last year. This combined with limited open market opportunities and rising construction costs, further highlights the need to support the delivery of affordable homes.”
ENDS
The regeneration of town centres continues to be a priority, with the Council Plan 2017-22
committing to invest £1million a year in the Town Centre Living Fund (TCLF). This is funded from revenue generated by reducing the Council Tax discount on second and long-term unoccupied homes. This funding must be utilised in support of the delivery of local housing priorities.
Members of the committee will be asked to:
? Allocate an additional £100k from the Council Tax on second homes budget to the 2022/23 Town Centre Living Fund.
? Allocate £250k from the 2022/23 Town Centre Projects budget to support the delivery of the Strategic Housing Investment Plan project at the former Glenbay Hotel, Glenluce. The development aims to provide ten family homes for social rent. The total cost is now estimated to be in excess of £3million, including the demolition of the existing building which has been completed.
? Allocate £100k from the 2022/23 Empty Properties budget to support the renovation of Dunbae House, Stranraer. Planning permission has been awarded conditionally for change of use to form five flatted dwelling houses. Total cost of works is estimated to be in excess of £300k.
The Local Development Plan 2 (LDP) highlights support for the Town Centre First Principle: an approach that considers the health and vibrancy of town centres from the outset. Enabling development of high quality and affordable housing in these locations increases the number of people living in our town centres while also supporting the Council’s Climate Emergency Declaration Strategic Plan.
Chair of Economy and Resources, Katie Hagmann said: “Our Council will do all that it can to revitalise our town centres, boost the local economy, and to help people remain in their own communities. High-quality accommodation is a key driver to create footfall and support vital regeneration. It also contributes to tackling the climate crisis through lowering carbon emissions by providing homes within easy access of services and employment and reduces the need for travel by car. Finding a sustainable use for empty properties and derelict sites also helps retain and maintain our area’s built heritage.”
Vice Chair, Sean Marshall said: “This funding enables the region to attract inward investment which helps with the areas economic recovery and stimulates town centres throughout Dumfries and Galloway. In these difficult financial times, the increasing expense of delivering affordable homes is being felt throughout the country and every effort is being made to secure funding to help meet the rising cost of construction. Analysis has shown that house prices in this region have increased by over 12% during the last year. This combined with limited open market opportunities and rising construction costs, further highlights the need to support the delivery of affordable homes.”
ENDS