Derelict bank building could get 'new lease of life'

Plans have been lodged to give a "new lease of life" to a long-term derelict former bank building in the heart of a south of Scotland town.

The property at 130 to 132 High Street in Dumfries dates back to the 19th Century but was last used by Santander as a bank a number of years ago.

Since then the category C-listed building has been empty and has suffered significant damage including collapsed ceilings and rotten timber floors.

Now Wheatley Homes South (WHS) has lodged plans to convert it into a number of flats with a commercial space on the ground floor.

The property sits in the Dumfries town centre conservation area and faces its historic Midsteeple.

Santander still operates a branch nearby but the site where it used to be located has been empty for many years.

WHS said the proposals would deliver seven flats in a building which had been "vacant and deteriorating" for some time.

It said that situation would probably continue if an alternative use was not found.

The social landlord said demand for commercial properties had fallen but its plans could help bring the High Street "back to the vibrant place it once was".