By Gordon Berry

FIFE COUNCIL knew in advance that unauthorised work was about to start on what has become a controversial permanent site for travellers on a site at Fordelhill in north Fife.

Local residents and community councils have expressed concern over the lack of action from the council to put a stop to work on the site before its planning application is determined through the formal committee process.

It has now been revealed in correspondence that the travellers’ agent, Forbes Marr, told two different officials development would begin, and was warned by the council any work undertaken would be at the applicants’ “own risk.”

The comment was made in a letter written by council lead development officer Garry Dimeck on October 10, some days after work started.

Although the council went to Cupar Sheriff Court and sought and gained interim interdict over the ongoing work and occupation of caravans, there has been criticism this legal action has not been followed up effectively.

At the end of last week the council confirmed it is monitoring the situation, and also that no planning enforcement had been instigated.

In his letter to Mr Marr, Mr Dimeck said he had visited the site following concern raised with the council about work in progress.

He advised Mr Marr the work was unauthorised, and recommended it should cease until the planning application is determined.

Mr Dimeck said it is his understanding that Mr Marr had contacted a housing official, and the council’s enforcement officer, indicating work was likely to start in advance of the necessary approval being gained.

“Whilst I welcome your courtesy in notifying us of your clients’ intentions, I have to point out that this is entirely different to the notion of any constructive two way pre-application discussions with the council as planning authority,” he said.

Mr Dimeck asked for the agent’s co-operation in ensuring unauthorised development would stop.

A hearing is to be held in Cupar’s County Buildings tonight, because the planning application for the six household pitches and associated facilities is a departure from the council’s development plan.

The applicants and the objectors will be able to put forward their views, and officials will use information gathered to help formulate their recommendation to the next meeting of the north east Fife area committee.