A SHIP sets out a local authority’s strategic investment objectives for housing over five years, specifically affordable housing, and Gypsy/Traveller accommodation.

Members of the council’s Economy and Resources Committee will tomorrow be asked to note the Resource Planning Assumptions allocated to the region from the Scottish Government’s Affordable Housing Supply Programme (section); agree the inclusion of the Challoch site in the Strategic Housing Investment Plan (following submission to the council by Wheatley Homes South); and agree the draft SHIP 2023.

SHIP developments aim to bring brownfield sites back into use, regenerate empty buildings, and contribute to town centre sustainability. Finding a productive use for derelict sites can help address climate change by limiting urban sprawl, avoiding green space, and reducing the need for travel. Building affordable homes within walking distance of local services also enables people to live better, healthier lives and supports the council’s net zero carbon ambitions.

Rent affordability plays a crucial role in tackling the rising cost of living, with housing costs being one of the biggest drivers of poverty, especially affecting single adults and families with children. Increasing affordable housing helps by providing high-quality homes at a lower cost to residents. New properties developed via the SHIP will also meet high energy efficiency standards, supporting work to lower fuel poverty.

The SHIP is a live document, subject to change throughout the year. The annual review allows elected members to identify new projects for consideration. To support delivery over the long term, pipeline developments are crucial. Members have stressed the need to identify projects in-demand areas, particularly in areas that have previously been constrained in delivery.

The council has included 56 units on this site in its Local Development Plan (LDP) for Challoch, Leswalt. Individuals and families will be able to live here. In addition to bungalows built to amenity standards, social rent will be available. Upon completion of this development, around £13 million is expected to be invested, including £5.7m from the RPA. It will also help meet the growing demand for energy-efficient homes.

The Scottish Government has committed to invest over £3.44 billion nationally in affordable housing over this parliamentary term. To allow Dumfries and Galloway Council to plan delivery for 2023/24 to 2025/26, a total RPA of £61.841m has been allocated to the region.

Chair of the Economy and Resources Committee, Cllr Ian Carruthers, said: “The SHIP demonstrates how several Council Services work closely together to achieve a positive outcome. As part of their collaborative efforts with RSLs and developers involved in affordable housing delivery, relevant stakeholders can add value to the process. Increasing housing costs are a major cause of poverty, particularly for single adults and families, so rent affordability is key to addressing the rising cost of living.

“The SHIP provides high-quality homes for residents at a lower price, and contributes to the reduction of fuel poverty. New properties developed through the SHIP will meet high energy efficiency standards. By ensuring that these newly constructed homes are energy efficient, it also contributes to our climate emergency commitment.”

Vice chair, Cllr David Inglis, said: “In addition to addressing climate change urgently and transitioning to a carbon-neutral region, the SHIP provides an important contribution to council priorities such as ‘Supporting our citizens, communities and being a responsive council’. Affordable homes will support sustainable communities and economic development.”

Also at the meeting, members will receive a report on the work being carried out between the council and Dumfries Partnership Action Group (DPAG) following the allocation of a £1m Town Centre Living Fund budget to increase the provision of high-quality accommodation.

DPAG is a unique collaboration of Dumfries-based businesses, community organisations and social enterprises with Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) status. It has worked with the council to draft a 10-year vision and action plan for Dumfries town centre.

A Housing Need and Demand Assessment (HNDA) estimates the number of additional housing units to meet existing and future housing need and demand. It also captures information on the operation of the housing system which can be used to assist local authorities develop policies on new housing supply, management of existing stock and the provision of housing-related services. It is used to inform policy development, decision making and the use of resources.

A Housing Market Partnership (HMP) has been established to oversee the development, production and sign-off of the HNDA. Membership of our region’s HMP includes representatives from registered social landlords, the private housing sector, the NHS and Integrated Joint Board, gypsy travellers, private rented sector, South of Scotland Enterprise, the council’s homeless, economic development, planning and strategic housing services.

The DDD document identifies five key place themes that see Dumfries as a place to: Live and Belong; Visit and Experience; Work, Learn and Do Business; Access, be Active and Green; and Grow and Play. Each of these themes is supported by series of drivers which emerged from the extensive engagement process.

To focus delivery and investment, the document also identifies several priority activity areas – High Street, the river and Whitesands, Friars Vennel and Bank Street, independent shopping streets, Shakespeare Street / Nith Place and arrival points and improving connections.

Councillor Ian Carruthers said: “We need to ensure that the housing target meets the housing needs of the people living in the region, but we acknowledge that further engagement is required with town centre stakeholders to develop short, medium and long-term actions that will lead to real change. The future of housing means that we need to plan sustainable, modern homes which are fit for the needs of residents; homes that meet people’s needs and promote physical and mental wellbeing, and the creation of sustainable communities.”

Councillor David Inglis added: “Between January and March 2023 the Scottish Futures Trust facilitated a series of workshops engaging Dumfries stakeholders to evaluate the effectiveness and future of its place-based and collaborative approach to regeneration. This confirmed Dumfries as a national exemplar with DPAG and the DDD Action Plan at the core of the future success of the town centre. Very well done to all who participated.”