Ministers examine newspaper office plans over flood risk fears

The Scottish government has been asked to decide whether plans to turn a former newspaper office into a specialist school should be allowed to go ahead.

Dumfries and Galloway Council gave its support to the proposals for the old Standard offices on Park Lane in Dumfries.

However, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, said it represented a change of use from "least" to "most" vulnerable at the site next to the River Nith.

Due to its holding objection, the plans have gone to the Scottish government to decide whether or not to "call in" the scheme in order to decide its fate.

The Dumfries and Galloway Standard had offices in the town at a number of locations - including the High Street, Buccleuch Street and the Maxwelltown Industrial Estate - before moving next to the River Nith.

However, following the Covid pandemic the premises have been empty and it is now being proposed to put them to a new use.

Care home company Greenleaf provides "specialist trauma-informed education provision for children and young people who have experienced trauma and neurodiversity".

Its plans would see the building become a school - primarily for children and young people in its homes - but also a small number of day pupils from the Dumfries and Galloway council area.

It would have up to five staff and 15 pupils.

The council concluded that while flood risk was a "significant consideration" it was considered that was outweighed in this case by policy in favour of reusing existing buildings.

The Scottish government has until the end of the month to determine whether it wishes to decide the outcome of the application - although that deadline can be extended.