April date for Milldeans Farm appeal decision

Planners rejected Hallam Land Management’s application in November last year to develop the Milldeans Farm site close to the Newcastle precinct in Glenrothes, but an appeal against the decision was lodged after claims of ‘administrative error’ made by Fife Council regarding the decision.

A Scottish Government appointed reporter will now decide whether or not to uphold the decision not to approve the application and have indicated that they will deliver their findings by April 8.

“It has been agreed with the appellant that the appeal will be based on those reasons in the committee report and not the reasons that were issued in the decision notice,” explained Brian Sheerins, chairman of the Concerned Newcastle Residents group.

“The reporter does not base their determination on the reasons for refusal but rather considers the entire application again.

“The administrative error is not a material consideration so no weight can be attached to this in the determination of the appeal

“We understand that the Council is therefore able to, and will be, defending the appeal as robustly as the Council would have, had the mistake not occurred.”