Plans for a massive development in Halbeath have been put on hold to allow planning issues to be clarified.
Taylor Wimpey East Scotland would like to create a residential development on land to the north of the Fife village.
The Dunfermline-based company is preparing plans to deliver around 1,400 homes, of which a quarter will be affordable houses.
The firm said the proposed plans will be crucial to support the delivery of the onward extension of the northern link road, and make provision for a primary school, retail, and community facilities.
But following the latest meeting with Fife Council to give a project update, the company’s land and planning director Pauline Mills said: “We understand there is a need for the council to clarify their position on key strategic infrastructure requirements that will affect the development of land to the north of Halbeath.
“We understand that this process is likely to take the council around three months to complete, and therefore we feel that it is appropriate for us to pause our design proposals for the project while we wait on the council confirming its position on infrastructure and education.”
She said it was important for the company to understand the impact of these strategic requirements on the proposed development so it could deliver a masterplan vision for the land.
Proposed public consultations will also be delayed until the council’s position has been clarified.
However, following a successful world café community liaison event, Taylor Wimpey said it intends to continue its proactive programme of engagement with its community liaison forum, and is planning an update with the group this month to make sure local community groups are kept updated.
“We remain committed to regular communication with Fife Council that aims to bring forward a development masterplan that will positively transform this area of north Dunfermline,” said Ms Mills.
Fife Council’s senior planning manager Pam Ewen said: “The infrastructure requirements are set out in our proposed local development plan, which is currently being examined by the Scottish Government planning and environmental appeals division.
“We will continue to work with Taylor Wimpey and other developers to make sure requirements are included in their development proposals.
“Investment in new house building is important to Fife’s economy and we welcome that Taylor Wimpey will continue to liaise with the community to develop their plans.”
