A mixed reaction is anticipated after Scottish Government reporters finally published their recommendations on Fife’s local development strategy.
The examination considered the content and policies of the Local Development Plan and many individuals and community groups had their say, with almost 4,000 representations made about the document.
A number of key recommendations have now been made by the Scottish Government reporters which are likely to have a huge bearing on some major developments in the pipeline.
Those include:
-
Removing the site for the replacement Madras College at Pipeland, St Andrews. The site has been reinstated as green belt land with no development proposed on it.
-
The expansion to the north of Cupar has been retained in the plan with the associated relief road to be constructed by the 600th house.
-
Land for new houses on a range of sites across Fife have been included in the plan by the reporters, leading an increase of just over 300 houses from that proposed by the council.
Campaigners fighting to stop the new Madras at Pipeland will see the recommendations as another victory, with Fife Council currently reassessing sites for the £40 million school in St Andrews.
The decision will effectively mean that Pipeland – which had been the council’s preferred site – will now be ruled out.
Meanwhile, the controversial masterplan which could see 1,400 homes built to the north of Cupar is now likely to be pursued – a blow for local campaigners who have previously said the development would “destroy the town”.
Councillor Lesley Laird, depute leader and executive spokesperson economy and planning, said: “I am pleased that we have now received this report which has been long awaited by communities, investors, and the council alike.
“It is encouraging that the reporters’ recommendations seem to have been influenced by the active involvement of those who participated in the plan consultation and that communities have been listened to.
“Clearly, not everyone will see the outcome they wanted.
“In those communities where public opinion has sought the removal of sites and that has happened, people will be pleased.
“But in cases where the examination does not support comments into the plan, there will be a need to understand the implications of the reporters’ recommendations.”
Despite there being a large number of representations from the development industry to increase the amount of new homes that are planned for, the reporters have not made any major change to the level of housing proposed by Fife Council.
Fife Council planning officials are now considering the detail of the 1,150 page report and a report outlining the modifications arising from the reporters’ recommendations will be reported to the council executive committee meeting on February 28 2017 where the Local Development Plan will be presented to committee for adoption.
