Private housing controversy

A private housing development which has faced numerous major issues will be the focus of attention at a specially-convened council meeting tomorrow.

The meeting has been scheduled following a formal request by councillors, but their discussions will be held behind closed doors. The council is staying tight-lipped about the details of the talks, referring to them as “sensitive matters”.

However, it is understood that the meeting will be held to try and find solutions to issues at the Windermere Park housing development in Annan.

Dozens of houses have been built at the site in recent years, however, numerous planning concerns have arose and complaints have been made to the local authority.

The council announced on Thursday that the special meeting would be taking place “to discuss a local housing development”. The announcement reads: “The purpose of the meeting is to update elected members on the council’s involvement with the development and to outline what action has been taken – and can be taken – to support residents, the wider community and local businesses affected by the site.

“In accordance with council procedures, this single-item meeting will be held in private.”

Councillor Katie Hagmann, the council’s convener, said: “I want to reassure residents that our council takes action when issues are raised – whether about this development or any matter across our region.

“Although we are committed to openness and transparency, this special meeting is being held in private to allow councillors to discuss sensitive matters that affect our community, in line with legal and confidentiality requirements.”

In June 2023, the Windermere Park development in Annan came under the scrutiny of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s planning department. A total of 37 homes were previously given planning approval in October 2020, however, council papers stated that 22 of them had been constructed over and above what was agreed.

Due to the failure to stick with the design parameters, the developer Anderson’s Joinery was forced to go through another round of the council’s planning approval process.

The special meeting will take place at the council headquarters in English Street, Dumfries, at 10.30am on Wednesday.