Members of north east Fife area committee agreed by 10 votes to four to continue consideration of the application to develop the site of the Bottle Shop in Bonnygate, defeating a motion by Councillor Roger Guy that it be refused on the grounds that it would exacerbate an already serious congestion problem in Burnside.

The application, by Edinburgh-based Wilburn Homes, will now be considered at the next area committee meeting on May 28 after transport implications have been further examined and Cupar Community Council has had the opportunity for fuller discussion.

The community council lodged a last-minute objection to the plans, having met only the night before the meeting.

They say they have received a number of letters of concern as well as a petition from local residents worried about access via Union Street, Hill Street and Skinners Steps.

The application before the committee had been amended from the original to include improved vehicular access and associated parking.

But new plans did nothing to allay the fears of either the community council or Councillor Guy, who said: "There is already a problem in Burnside, and the proposals contained in the Structure Plan will mean that we'll end up with a large number of cars pouring in from the north of the town.

"Unless we get it sorted out we are creating a most unsatisfactory traffic situation in that part of Cupar.

"We are doing the town no favours at all if we allow this to go ahead."

The motion to continue consideration of the application was proposed by Councillor Margaret Kennedy, who felt that it merited further scrutiny of the transportation issues, and that the community council's position should be respected.

Before the next meeting, the possibility will also be explored into whether planning gain cash from the prospective developers could be used for junction improvements.
If the plans are approved, an existing house and former drill hall will be demolished to make way for the 31 flats, six of which will be affordable.