Assurances have been given about a consortium’s commitment to the proposed northern expansion of Cupar.
Fife Council depute leader councillor Lesley Laird confirmed a “very full discussion” had taken place with the group comprising Persimmon Homes, Headon Developments and VICO Properties to discuss the wider implications of Cupar North, following public concerns.
She had also asked council officers to hold further meetings with councillors to “take things forward”.
At a recent Fife Council executive committee meeting, demands were made for the consortium to provide urgent answers on its commitment to a proposed £15 million relief road.
Councillors also agreed that an urgent meeting was required to ascertain whether NHS services could cope with the proposed construction of 1,400 new homes.
Concerns had been raised that the focus of development on Cupar could eventually lead to the closure of rural schools in surrounding villages.
The issues were brought up as senior Fife councillors on the executive committee ratified decisions to approve the strategic development plan that encompasses the north Fife area for the next 20 years.
Now, in an update to the full Fife Council prompted by questioning from Liberal Democrat group leader councillor Tim Brett councillor Laird said she is “positive” about the development’s future.
She said: “I’m aware of a number of representations from local people about what that means for the area. On a more positive note, the consortium now has a national house builder on board. I would be much more optimistic and positive that this will come to fruition.
“Having met residents, I can understand their frustrations.”
The TAYplan proposed strategic development plan 2016-2036 includes support for Cupar North.
The consortium is behind plans for a proposed development comprising 1,400 residential units, a care home, hotel and primary school.
There is also space for retail, business and general industry, community use, open space and landscape works.
The consortium recently held a comprehensive site investigation exercise and has been engaged in preliminary public consultation, sparking fierce debate.
With no detailed planning applications yet on the table, considerable concerns have remained around the impact on health facilities, the commitment to a distributor road, and employment.
Meanwhile, the chance to have a say on the planning vision for Dundee, Angus, Perth and Kinross and north Fife will take place over the coming weeks. An information event takes place at Cupar Corn Exchange from 3.30 to 7pm on Thursday.