A farmer is to appeal Fife Council’s decision to turn down the creation of holiday accommodation for disabled people in a rural part of North-East Fife.
Moira Henderson, of Ring Farm, near Craigrothie, said she was “bemused” by the decision of the North-East Fife Area Committee to reject the application.
A two-storey building with eight bedrooms, designed specially for people with disabilities, including the deaf and blind, was to be built at the farm.
However, councillors refused planning permission, deeming the building too big for its location.
The proposal attracted several objections, including from Ceres and District Community Council, with concerns it would dominate the landscape.
However, there was also significant support, with VisitScotland claiming there was a shortage of such accommodation in the area and that the holiday home would provide a boost to the economy.
Mrs Anderson, a former chairperson of the Scottish Egg Producers Retail Association, who has farmed at Ring Farm with her husband David for 25 years, said there hundreds of thousands of people out there who can’t have holidays because of their disabilities.
Her cousin developed motor neurone disease in his fifties and had to go into a hospice to allow his family to go on holiday, while she also cared for her mother after she had a severe stroke. The couple were also trying to safeguard the future of their 90-acre farm through diversification.
She said: “Our aim is to enable all members of the family, or group, to holiday together in sustainable tourism facilities, inclusive of guests with access needs, providing care support if required.
“Our goal is five-star grading in self-catering accommodation.
“Through various personal experiences, it became apparent that there was a need for accommodation to provide for those with particular accessibility needs.
“In Scotland, those with high levels of disability find it almost impossible to locate overnight accommodation. This affects the whole family’s choices for holidays. We aim to improve this situation.
“Small to large families, or groups, will be able to come into the countryside and enjoy the beauty and relaxation all year round.
“I will definitely be appealing this decision to the Scottish Government.”