The President of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has visited Dumfries and Galloway to find out more information about the work of the region's local planners.

Stephen Wilkinson made the trip earlier this month to find out more about the skills of planners.

In Dumfries, the council's Chief Planner Steve Rogers, former Convenor of RTPI Scotland David Suttie and Head of Development Plans Shona McCoy showed Mr Wilkinson the council’s vision to regenerate the town centre.

They stopped at sites for which there are plans to revitalise the high street and discussed the impact of relaxing rules to allow a change of use from retail in response to high vacancies.


In addition, Mr Wilkinson was a given a virtual experience of how an innovative flood defence system along the river Nith, part of the town centre masterplan, would work. He also visited the new Royal Infirmary hospital, which was built in record time.

Mr Rogers, the Council's Head of Planning and Regulatory Services, said: "We were delighted to host this visit and highlight some local planning success stories while showing our visitor some of the attractions of our region."

Mr Wilkinson, RTPI President, said: "The skills of planners have been put to diverse use in Dumfries and Galloway, enhancing its rich heritage and natural assets, improving the public realm, and finding new ways to boost the local economy."

Before visiting Dumfries, Mr Wilkinson viewed a number of inner city regeneration and large-scale housing projects in Glasgow.

(LM)