A former Dumfries and Galloway councillor is looking to develop a chunk of his land in Dalbeattie for housing.
David James, who represented the Castle Douglas and Crocketford ward from 2017-2022, was back in the council chambers on Wednesday seeking planning permission for the construction works.
Mr James has separated a 3942m² stretch of land north of Barhill Road into 12 plots for new-build homes – but has come up against opposition from residents in nearby Queens Grove.
They argue that any development will exacerbate flooding issues, result in treated waste water flowing into a small burn, and could potentially destroy the habitat of wildlife such as red squirrels and roe deer.
Two applications to build houses on plots came before the council’s planning committee on Wednesday, and Mr James attended alongside one of the applicants, Tony Marsh.
Mr James told the committee: “Various projects have been suggested and some with very high densities.
“Two weeks ago the council approved a new plan for the development. This plan is for only 12 units, despite an LDP (local development plan) allocation of 30.
“The agreed plan protects the interest of walkers and wildlife, and is at the same time viable.
“This application is for one of the units seen in that plan. Plots four and five are at committee, having received several objections.
“These appear to stem from a single source in Queens Grove.”
He address their concerns, explaining that noise from the sewage treatment plant will be minimal, and that the treated water will meet all regulations.
Mr James also insisted that the argument that the development will be on a flood plain is “scientifically and topographically false”.
He added: “I had to commission two expensive flood risk assessments, and then had to accept that a quarter of the LDP site is undevelopable.
“A safe line was drawn and this house sits above it. Low lying Queens Grove may not be built under current policy, but this new development will not change their situation for better or worse.”
Council planning officials recommending approving the development of two houses on these plots, along with detached garages, and associated sewage treatment works.
Councillors agreed and granted planning permission.
David James was elected as a Conservative councillor in 2017, but left the political group in 2019 to go independent after accusing them of “failing to make an impact”.
He decided against standing for re-election in May this year.
