Order bid over home demolitions

The scheme is building hundreds of new homes while demolishing old ones

A bid is being made to use compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) to clear the way to complete one of the largest housing regeneration schemes in Scotland.

The proposals have been made in Dumfries and Stranraer by the Dumfries and Galloway Housing Partnership.

It has agreed deals with owners of most of the homes it wants to demolish, but a small number have yet to sign up.

The partnership cannot issue CPOs but wants Dumfries and Galloway Council to agree, in principle, to do so.

The neighbourhood renewal "master plan" was approved in May 2006.

It was aimed at building 600 new homes and demolishing many older properties.

Way forward

A report to councillors said the majority of homeowners whose houses would be knocked down have agreed terms with the housing partnership.

However, it has concluded that after "many months" of talks CPOs may be the only way forward.

Even if the council does give approval in principle to issuing the orders, each individual case would go back to the authority.

These would only be agreed where the continued lack of a deal could have an impact on the overall delivery of the renewal plan.

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