By Alan Richardson

KINROSS-SHIRE PEOPLE are today bracing themselves for another rural housing development being approved despite their objections.

Council planners have received 61 representations from local people regarding a scheme to site 12 new houses at Nivingston House, Cleish.

But despite claims the plan will “urbanise” a rural area, cause noise and light pollution, exacerbate school overcrowding and devalue existing properties, it has been recommended for approval by the planning department.

The issue will be considered at today’s development control committee amid a backdrop of controversy after vice convener, Michael Barnacle’s recent resignation.

The Kinross-shire councillor quit the committee in disgust after a series of developments similar to the Nivingston House one were approved despite fierce local opposition.

The committee will be told today that the latest scheme, for two houses in the grounds of the historic home and 10 to the north, is in line with the council’s housing in the countryside policy.

But Mr Barnacle said this document, under review, is being abused by developers and should have been tightened long before now.

He said yesterday, “My main concern is that the planning department, despite assurances...on a number of occasions...are once again recommending approval for extensive new build over-development in the countryside.

“I cannot remember a refusal recommendation coming to committee for Kinross-shire in the last year.”

He stated the development is designed for commuters, there is no element of affordable housing and that any children will have to be bussed to other schools until nearby Cleish Primary is upgraded.

He said, “The proposal is again part of the planning department’s determination to sanction settlement development in the countryside of Kinross-shire at locations that are not identified in the Local Plan.”

Cleish and Blairadam community council and Kinross-shire Civic Trust have also come out against the plan, as has Scottish Natural Heritage which has fears for nearby Loch Leven.

However, a planning department report to be placed before the committee states, “The proposal is in accordance with national and regional planning guidance generally, and specifically is in accordance with the council’s Housing in the Countryside Policy 2005.

“There would be no adverse impact on road safety, infrastructure, natural heritage or biodiversity as a result of the development.

“The scale, design and layout of the proposals are acceptable and there are no compelling reasons for not approving them.”