Housing plans in limbo

LANGHOLM remains in limbo over a much-needed housing development and new homes for the elderly, council chiefs have confirmed.

Loreburn Housing Association (LHA) halted plans to build 35 properties for the elderly and 90 homes for general need at Murtholm Farm, and it was hoped that another private developer would step in to take over the project.

However, Dumfries and Galloway Council bosses have confirmed that this has failed to materialise – at a time when the region is experiencing a housing shortage emergency.

An update report on the strategic housing investment plan (SHIP) for Langholm will be presented to councillors at next week’s meeting of Annandale and Eskdale Area Committee.

Jamie Little, the council’s strategic housing and regeneration team leader, wrote: “Infrastructure works for this site started on February 27, 2023 and paused a month later while efforts were made to resolve access constraints.

“Due to the pause in development, the contractors came off site and a tidy up has been completed.

“The cost of these works has been met from LHA’s own resources, and therefore significant investment has already been put into the development. Furthermore, the land acquisition has been supported by the Scottish Government.

“All partners continue to work together to ensure matters can be resolved as swiftly as possible. LHA are currently undertaking an options appraisal for the site.

“A delivery model working with a private developer including the possibility of construction of private homes has not progressed as anticipated.”

Denis Male, an independent councillor for Annandale and Eskdale, previously described the situation as an “absolute disgrace”, insisting that there is a desperate need for elderly properties in the area.

In May last year, Loreburn Housing Association issued a lengthy apology over the Murtholm Farm construction controversy.

The organisation revealed building costs for 125 homes – 35 for the elderly and 90 general needs – had skyrocketed from £27m six years ago to £40m.