Step forward for 'super campus'

Dumfries and Galloway College will relocate to the new campus

A £32m "super campus" for further education in Dumfries has come a step closer to reality.

Outline planning permission has been granted for relocation of the Dumfries and Galloway College from Heathhall to the Crichton campus.

An application has now been made for full planning permission for the college on a five hectare site on the Crichton estate.

The area takes in land which is part of the Scottish Agricultural College Farm.

It will share the site with the University of Glasgow, the University of Paisley and Bell College.

A £21m funding package has been earmarked from the Scottish Funding Council and a bid is being made for European funding to complete the package.

Rural environment

The new building will replace the current college at Heathhall which was opened 32 years ago by Princess Alexandra and described at the time as a state-of-the-art complex.

Discussions are continuing with Scottish Water over the Troqueer waste water treatment works on the other side of the River Nith which has insufficient capacity to serve the development.

A number of objections have been made over at the impact of the college on the rural environment and also on the already congested road system in that area.

Protesters stress that a southern bypass should be in place before any building work starts.

The application will come before councillors soon and officials are recommending approval.