This survey period, running for 8 weeks from 31 January to 28 March, offers the opportunity for residents, agents, developers, landowners, and other stakeholders to help shape the future of the region.

The Call for Sites allows interested parties to propose sites for consideration in LDP3, with submissions welcomed for all types of development, including:

• Housing
• Business and industry
• Allotments
• Community spaces
• Leisure, tourism, and retail

The Call for Ideas is open to everyone and provides an avenue for sharing thoughts, comments, and suggestions on any aspect relevant to the plan.

Ian Blake, chair of the council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for the people of Dumfries and Galloway to shape the future of our region. Through this process, our council is committed to ensuring LDP3 aligns with the priorities set out in National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) requirements. Proposals will undergo a thorough assessment process, including an evaluation of their deliverability and effectiveness, to ensure the final plan includes a pipeline of viable, sustainable sites.”

Jackie McCamon, vice chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, added: “It’s important to note that existing allocated sites from the current Local Development Plan (LDP2) will not be automatically included in LDP3. The council’s officers will reassess undeveloped sites from LDP2, focusing on their potential for delivery and sustainability. I encourage all landowners and developers of these sites to engage with the team when they have been contacted.”

If a site has already been identified in a Local Place Plan (LPP), there is no need to resubmit it, as these will be assessed as part of the LPP review process.