Community housing plan gets a boost

A GATEHOUSE of Fleet project has received £157,345 of funding to build community housing.

The grant was awarded to the Gatehouse Development Initiative (GDI) from the Scottish Land Fund and will be put towards the purchase of the the former Woodside Garage site.

Its purchase will allow the community to take ownership of the long-derelict site and advance plans for high-quality, affordable homes in the town centre.

Commenting on the funding, a delighted David Steel said on behalf of the GDI: “This award is a tremendous step forward for Gatehouse. Community ownership ensures that the site will be developed for the benefit of local people, now and in the future.

“We are extremely grateful to the Scottish Land Fund and to everyone who has supported the project so far.”

The Woodside site was identified as a top priority through the Gatehouse Local Place Plan and extensive community consultation, where affordable housing emerged as the most urgent need.

The project continues to receive widespread support from residents, local organisations and elected representatives. Over 170 people participated in consultation activities, and 35 individuals have already registered their interest in affordable housing at the site.

GDI will now continue working with its partners, Dumfries and Galloway Council, South of Scotland Community Housing and South of Scotland Enterprise, to develop the detailed design, prepare the project for contractor tender, and secure the capital funding needed to build the new homes.

Dee and Glenkens Cllr Dougie Campbell added: “This is a hugely positive step for Gatehouse. Community ownership of the Woodside site gives residents real influence over how their town develops. Affordable housing is vital to sustaining rural communities, and I warmly welcome this excellent progress by the Gatehouse Development Initiative.”