Annan Masterplan

This masterplan encompassed both new-build and existing buildings, transforming a 7.67ha site in Annan, Dumfries & Galloway, a designated priority growth area in South Scotland. The site was divided into two distinct areas—Longmeadow to the north and Hallmeadow to the south—each under separate ownership by two Housing Associations.

The project delivered 157 high-quality, sustainable affordable homes, offering a diverse housing mix, including 2- and 3-bedroom general needs houses, 1- and 2-bedroom amenity bungalows, wheelchair-accessible homes, family houses, and purpose-built accommodation for residents with special needs. A key feature of the development was the rehabilitation, conversion, and retrofit of the derelict Category C Listed Longmeadow House, transforming it into affordable apartments.

The site comprised predominantly flat agricultural fields, with a gradual rise towards the north and east, and a significant level change along the western boundary. This topography presented both design challenges and opportunities, particularly for the integration of sustainable drainage solutions (SuDS).

A people-first design philosophy was central to the masterplan, prioritising pedestrian-friendly environments over vehicle dominance. The layout adhered to ‘Designing Streets’ and ‘Creating Places’ principles, ensuring a safe, well-connected, and permeable development for all residents. A green network of pocket parks, landscaped areas, and dedicated amenity spaces was incorporated, creating an interconnected series of public spaces with links to the wider community.

The masterplan was formally adopted by the Local Authority as Supplementary Planning Guidance, providing a strategic framework for the site’s housing delivery.

• A Coherent Vision: A unified approach was taken across the two distinct areas to create a cohesive development.
• Preservation of Heritage: Longmeadow House was restored as a key architectural and historical landmark.
• Landscape-Led Masterplanning: A comprehensive open space strategy defined the development edge of Annan and introduced a variety of functional green spaces.
• Connectivity & Accessibility: The layout ensured strong pedestrian and cycle connections, linking the development to Annan’s core path network and minimising car dependency.
• Diverse Housing Mix: High-quality, sustainable homes designed to meet a range of needs, all in compliance with Housing for Varying Needs and the Scottish Housing Quality Standard.
• Hierarchy of Open Spaces: A structured network of public spaces provided varied opportunities for play and recreation.
• Shared Street Principles: A pedestrian-focused approach was adopted, integrating materials, street widths, and planting to prioritise people over vehicles.
• Natural Buffering & Biodiversity: A landscaped buffer to the south and east offered shelter and screening, while existing mature trees were retained and supplemented to enhance biodiversity.
• Placemaking: The development created a safe, attractive, and welcoming environment, aligned with best-practice placemaking guidance.

The site’s sloping western boundary necessitated innovative engineering solutions. The natural topography, alongside existing sewer infrastructure, enabled the incorporation of a comprehensive SuDS strategy, directing surface water to lower-lying areas.

A landscape-led approach integrated a diverse range of green spaces, including children’s play areas, pocket parks, woodland walks, and community allotments/orchards. These spaces enhanced residential amenity, supported biodiversity, provided natural drainage solutions, and established structured landscape buffers connecting to the wider countryside.

Given the scale and complexity of the project, a suite of detailed technical reports was commissioned, covering Transportation, Hydrology, Ecology, Arboriculture, Ground Conditions, Archaeology, Building Condition, Drainage, and Services. These assessments informed the site constraints and opportunities, shaping the masterplan framework and detailed designs.

This ambitious masterplan successfully balanced heritage conservation, sustainability, and modern housing needs, creating a vibrant, well-connected, and inclusive community. By adopting a landscape-led and people-first approach, the development provides high-quality, affordable homes while enhancing the surrounding environment and reinforcing Annan’s identity as a growing and sustainable community.