By Claire Warrender

DETAILED PLANS for Scotland’s first eco-town, which would mean a five-fold increase in the size of a Fife village, were officially unveiled yesterday.

Over the next 20 years, property developer Banks Developments hopes to build a sustainable, zero-carbon community in Cardenden, complete with 5000 houses, a secondary school and sports and healthcare facilities.

The company claims the project will realise the environmental, economic and recreational potential of the area and contribute towards the ongoing economic regeneration of mid-Fife.

However, the number of proposed homes does not fit in with Fife Council’s structure plan, which will shape development in the region over the next 20 years, and which has not identified Cardenden as a location for strategic growth.

Banks, which has already secured 1200 acres of land, has called for that decision to be reviewed, saying the local authority’s support is critical to the initiative’s success.

Detailed proposals for the Cardenden scheme were launched at Our Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh, where MSPs, councillors and senior policy makers were given a chance to view them.

Banks said at least 1250 of the properties would be designated as affordable, and all would meet the highest sustainable energy standards, and would be “sensitively integrated” with the existing communities.

The plan also includes an integrated transport network, dedicated sports spaces for primary schools and new public spaces and wildlife corridors, along with a network of renewable energy sources and systems—including a wind farm near the town.

It could mean a significant jobs boost for the area, as the company hopes to set up a factory in Fife to create the pre-fabricated eco-homes and is in discussions with nearby Adam Smith College about the creation of related training schemes.

Banks’ managing director Colin Anderson said it was hoped the Cardenden proposals would set new standards for the delivery of zero carbon developments in Scotland.

“As a nation, we are not producing enough homes to meet the forecast growth in population, nor are we replacing the homes that have reached the end of their useful lives in adequate numbers.

“The Cardenden proposal addresses both these issues by providing a wholly realistic and deliverable strategy for developing Scotland’s first eco-town, and it would also simultaneously reinvigorate a community that has suffered years of post-industrial decline by bringing considerable new sustainable investment and employment in to the area.”

He added, “We are already developing strong relationships within the Cardenden community, and the opinions and input of local people will be crucial in helping to shape the development of the eco-town proposals.”

The local community council is reserving judgment on the matter, and has said it will “look cautiously” at the plans.

Secretary David Taylor said, “We want the village to grow and prosper and regenerate, but whether we can do it to that extent I don’t know.”

He added, “People are already worried about the amount of additional traffic it’s going to cause, but on the other hand, the schools are losing pupils and we need to regenerate from that point of view.”

Councillor Margot Doig was of a similar view, saying, “We need people in the village to keep it alive, so we’re looking at all the possibilities and hopefully we’ll be able to pick and mix.

“Once it goes out to consultation everybody will be able to put their points of view.”

Whether the proposals will be able to secure the necessary support from Fife Council remains to be seen.

Banks has met council planning officials, but has yet to submit a formal planning application.

Robin Presswood, business and strategy manager with the council’s development services, said, “Council planners have met representatives of the developer promoting the major development at Cardenden and have advised that, at this time, it does not comply with Fife Council’s planning policies.

“The council is happy to receive submissions from developers which can help shape future policies.

“In considering such submissions, it’s important to consider whether any development proposed is in proportion to the existing town or village.

“The Fife structure plan is currently with the Scottish Government for decision, and any proposed development of this scale will be considered by Scottish ministers to explore whether a modification of the structure plan is required.”