The plans, approved this week by Dumfries and Galloway Council, will see 296 new homes built at Catherinefield Farm, including 266 new affordable homes and a further 30 being built for private sale by developer CCG.

The Wheatley development will feature a Livingwell block providing 41 flats for people aged 55 and over. Livingwell is a Wheatley service which helps older residents live independently for longer by providing personalised support, regular staff presence and a programme of social and wellbeing activities.

These new homes form part of the new-build plans by Dumfries and Galloway’s largest social landlord which will see hundreds of new and energy-efficient homes delivered from 2028 and will be delivered via funding support from the Scottish Government’s Affordable Housing Supply Programme, working with Dumfries and Galloway Council.

In 2024, work was completed at a nearby site, the former Curries Yard depot in Heathhall, which saw Wheatley build 89 homes.

Work at Catherinefield Farm is expected to start in spring 2027, with families beginning to move into the homes in autumn 2028. The full site is expected to be completed by late 2031.

Alex Lamb, managing director of Wheatley Homes South, said: “This is a major step forward in our plans to bring more high-quality, energy-efficient homes to Dumfries.

“The views of the local community will be central to any new homes being delivered and will help shape the proposals. We were pleased so many people attended our public meetings and shared their views on the type of housing needed locally.

“These new homes form part of Wheatley’s commitment to delivering hundreds of new homes across the region to help meet the housing need, not just here in Dumfries and Galloway and across the country.

“With support from Dumfries and Galloway Council and the Scottish Government, we will start work on delivering these new homes in 2027.”

In 2023, Dumfries and Galloway Council and Wheatley signed a strategic agreement to build new affordable homes and deliver better services to communities. The partnership recognises the roles of the council and Wheatley Homes South in delivering housing, regeneration, care, and support to the most vulnerable, driving carbon reduction and contributing to social, economic, and other objectives, including tackling homelessness.

Wheatley’s investment in Dumfries and Galloway has boosted the local economy by more than £40 million since 2019.

Peter Smith, architect at Collective Architecture, added: “Catherinefield Farm will deliver a major new neighbourhood for Heathhall and Locharbriggs, representing the next significant phase of the area’s planned expansion and building on the success of Currie’s Yard which Collective Architecture completed in 2024.

“The development of 296 new homes will provide a mix of affordable and private housing, making a substantial contribution to Dumfries and Galloway’s housing needs. An integrated over‑55 ‘Livingwell’ community lies at the heart of the proposals, offering accessible homes focused around shared, sociable spaces that promote wellbeing, independence and connection.

“Designed in alignment with National Planning Framework 4, the project follows a place‑led, climate‑conscious approach that supports local living and biodiversity enhancement.

“A landscape‑led strategy shapes the entire development, retaining mature trees, safeguarding the Catherinefield Moss Local Wildlife Site and embedding green infrastructure throughout. Walkable streets and cycle links prioritise active travel, supporting healthier, low‑carbon lifestyles and helping to create a resilient, high‑quality place for the community.”