Plans that could increase the population of a west Fife village by around a quarter appear have fallen at the first hurdle.
Livingston-based Gladman Developments had earmarked land at Cuddyhouse Road in Kingseat for 80 new homes.
However, Fife Council planners have thrown out the developer’s application for planning permission in principle, amid concern about the visual and noise impact.
The firm is understood to be considering whether to appeal against the decision or submit a revised application.
A Gladman spokesman said the scheme would deliver much needed affordable housing in the Kingseat area, adding: “The benefits of the proposals far outweigh any potential negative impacts.”
Case officer Natasha Cockburn recommended refusal of the plans, saying it would result in an unjustified development in the countryside.
Forty-three letters of objection were lodged, including one from Kingseat Community Council. It said: “They (Gladman) imply that, as this is a countryside development, this is a small development but in the context of a village with 400 houses an extra 80 can hardly be looked upon as small.”
The community council also cast doubt on Gladman’s assertion that local workers would benefit from construction work.
