Ministers have been urged against using public money to fund a relief road as part of the controversial Cupar North expansion.
North East Fife MP Stephen Gethins has written to both housing minister Kevin Stewart and Keith Brown, cabinet secretary for economy, jobs and fair work, expressing his concerns about the much-mooted bypass being part of what Fife Council described as an “advanced funding model” – which would see the Scottish Government asked to pay for the road via the Tay Cities Deal.
The Cupar North Consortium, comprising Headon Developments, Persimmon Homes and Vico Properties Ltd, is keen to press ahead with the planned construction of 1480 new homes, a new primary school and business and employment infrastructure, although the scheme has so far attracted hundreds of objections.
Now Mr Gethins is hoping the Scottish Government will rule out using the public purse to pay for the relief road, which was expected to be built after the development’s 600th house is occupied as per Fife’s development plan.
“I am sure it will come as no surprise that residents are very concerned about any prospect of public money being used to advance fund a commercially driven housing development, especially one which has attracted so much local opposition,” he said.
“I have received many letters from constituents concerned about the lack of public consultation over the last 12 years and once again it seems that local residents were not asked their views by Fife Council when it decided to submit this application.
“It is also relevant to add that since 2006 significant improvements have been made to the town’s traffic flow, reducing congestion, and it is doubtful that this additional route is even needed.”
Mr Gethins added that many locals remain sceptical about assertions that the local economy will benefit from the development.
He continued: “It is very troubling indeed that public money may be spent on a development that brings no benefit to the town, and indeed may actually put a burden on its infrastructure and services.
“Concern has also been expressed that the Scottish Government, in conjunction with the UK Government, would be seen to support a private consortium, which includes one large housing development firm which recently awarded excessive bonuses.”
Gordon Mole, senior manager for business and employability said: “A proposal to support the strategic growth in Cupar formed part of the Tay Cities Deal.
“This was submitted in March 2017, following approval by the four Tay Cities local authorities.
“If the scheme is included within the final Tay Cities Deal agreement, investment to accelerate the delivery of the Cupar North relief road would form part of a formal agreement.
“This would be between the site developers and the Scottish Government, with staged repayment terms on a levy basis linked to development phases. This repayable model would help to advance the development of new housing infrastructure and employment land and further develop Cupar as a regional hub.
“Consultation on the Cupar North Strategic Development Area forms part of the planning process and Fife Council remains committed to take the time necessary to ensure all parts of the process are carried out properly.”
