The Crichton Trust

The Ladyfield Masterplan takes a holistic, aspirational approach to placemaking and is designed to serve the wellbeing of the people that live in Dumfries now and in future. We’re responding to the Scottish Government’s objectives to create nature-focused, sustainable communities through the recently adopted National Planning Framework 4. Ladyfield will promote a sustainable neighbourhood, and a diversity of housing is critical to its success. Homes will be proposed that improve affordability and choice in the local area by being adaptable to changing and varied needs and allow people to age in place, to encourage mixed communities that grow together over time. The heritage of this part of Dumfries is linked to the story of The Crichton, who have been innovating in health and wellbeing for over 150 years. There is a need for development now that takes a long-term, low-carbon view and addresses the challenges of an aging population and the need to retain and attract young working people to the area. The Crichton Trust and the design team have worked collectively with stakeholder partners to develop a strategic masterplan, a process underpinned by community engagement. The masterplan is founded on a series of robust, flexible, and interconnecting strategies and is driven by a purpose focused on people, place and planet. The masterplan proposals comprise around 300 new homes of mixed size, tenure and typology, sensitively embedded within the natural landscape and heritage context. The masterplan takes cognisance of the existing trees, protecting these whilst strengthening the green-blue infrastructure for the long-term benefit of existing and future residents. It will open up parkland for the community as well as enhancing the site’s biodiversity, promoting active travel and increasing well-being opportunities for all, within a well-connected neighbourhood rooted in The Crichton Quarter. With flexibility at the core, this masterplan aims to address the housing needs of an intergenerational community, now and in the future. Providing future-focused homes that meets people’s needs, will support people living life in a place for the long term, enabling encounters across generations. A burgeoning community, comprised of a range of households, will boost local amenities and assets, enhancing localism by offering people more choice to stay, travel and live locally. The Ladyfield Masterplan is shaped by policy, driven by need and powered by people.