A Glenrothes “rat run” will become even busier after plans for a new Markinch housing estate were approved, a local councillor has warned.
Ross Vettraino says that even more vehicles will take to Alburne Park after councillors granted planning permission in principle for up to 300 homes to be constructed at Sappi Road, which straddles the border of the two towns.
A residential route that already links the north of Glenrothes with its neighbouring town, Alburne Park is already used extensively by drivers wanting to avoid the A92.
Though planning officers have offered assurances that no significant increases in traffic will arise as a consequence of the new properties, councillor Vettraino remains unconvinced.
“This will add significant traffic to Alburne Park,” he said.
“This is already used as a rat run.
“Like everywhere else there are more and more cars parked on the side of the road because when these roads were designed nobody foresaw the explosion in ownership of the motor car.
“The situation will become intolerable.”
Members of Fife Council’s central area planning committee passed plans for the new housing development, which could potentially be seen as a merging of the two communities.
To be constructed over four phases, the properties will fill what is currently an empty field located between the former Haig’s site and the A911 Glenrothes to Leven road, on which a new roundabout will be constructed to assist with access to the estate.
Despite the homes being situated within Markinch, school pupils will come under the catchment area of Carleton Primary School in Glenrothes.
In a briefing to councillors, planning officers warned that developing the site is “not without its challenges”, though assurances were granted that flooding from the River Leven could be controlled.
However, councillor Kay Morrison remained uncertain, adding: “I’m very anxious about the flood risk.
“Over the years anybody on the A911 would have a witnessed a lot of flooding.
“It is extremely visible (and) I am quite concerned about that.”
jowatson@thecourier.co.uk.
