The £26 million regeneration of a beleaguered Fife street has passed another major hurdle.
Plans for Fraser Avenue in Inverkeithing, which will include 189 new affordable homes in a village-style development, have been approved and demolition work could begin later this year.
Kingdom Housing Association and Fife Council have welcomed the decision of west Fife planning committee to approve planning permission in principle for the massive project.
The approval provides, in principle, permission to demolish 236 properties, mainly common access flats and redevelop the street and neighbouring areas of low quality external space.
The development proposals include the construction of 189 homes, shops, a village green, play park and associated infrastructure to service the development.
It will deliver a new street layout offering a change to the current canyon-like road.
The proposals produced by 7N Architects also incorporate improved links with neighbouring streets, creating new vehicle links and making existing pedestrian links feel safer and more secure.
The new homes will be a mixture of cottage flats, family houses and single storey cottages for households with particular needs.
Over the next few months more detailed information will be submitted to the planners to obtain full approval to proceed.
Kingdom Housing Association’s Chief Executive Bill Banks said: “The confirmation of planning permission in principle is a major milestone point for the regeneration project and delivery of a more attractive, safer place to live.
“We are pleased that the planning authorities have confirmed support for the development proposals which reflect community feedback obtained from a series of consultation events.
“I would like to thank all members of the community who have helped us produce the new plans for the area.”
While the planning application was considered Kingdom continued to work on detailed design work including development of bespoke floor plans and a highly energy efficient specification for the new homes supported by the appointment of specialist sustainability consultancy, Carbon Futures.
Fife housing spokeswoman, Councillor Judy Hamilton, said: “I am delighted with this decision as well as the progress being made on the south east Inverkeithing regeneration project.”
