The late decision by planning consultant Ian Kelly, of Graham and Sibbald, not to make a submission on plans by G. and G. Contracts (Fife) to build up to 18 houses at Doves Loan surprised many at the north east Fife area committee departure hearing last Thursday.

Mr Kelly had attended the hearing and was expected to speak even after the meeting began, but later left the hall after speaking to the clerk.

Mr Kelly told the Fife Herald this week: "There is no legal requirement to speak at the hearing and so we decided not to."

He said Graham and Sibbald had written to Fife Council regarding the planning application and was waiting for the council's response.

Councillor Andrew Arbuckle, chair of north east Fife area committee, said he had attended around 50 departure hearings previously and this was the first time a developer or their agent had not presented their case.

The councillors heard from a number of speakers who opposed the plan, representing groups such as Ceres and District Community Council and Ceres and District Environment and Amenity Protection Group (CADEAP) as well as local residents.

Resident Elizabeth Brown gave a presentation illustrated with aerial views of the village that aimed to demonstrate the potential visual dominance of the proposed development.

The meeting heard of road safety concerns and the belief the development would neither enhance nor maintain the character of Ceres' landscape.

CADEAP spokesman, Graham Lang, spoke on the Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS) proposed for the site and its proximity to a neighbouring house, which he said contravened Scottish Water and SEPA guidance.

"The SUDS pond needs to be on the lowest part of the site and in my opinion that area is topographically unsuited as well as being a guidance-breaking distance from the nearby dwelling," said Mr Lang.