Call for review into controversial Cupar North plans

That is the question a group of local residents, including the former councillor Bryan Poole, are asking, after raising their concerns about the long wait for housing development in the town.

It has been 15 years since Cupar North was first mooted – and proposals for the huge development, which could see around 1400 new houses built on the northern edge of the town, have yet to be approved.

The group claims that Fife Council has ‘put its housing eggs in the Cupar North basket’ – a decision which has led to little development in the town, and Cupar stagnating.

It is calling for a review of the Cupar North plans and for a new plan for Cupar, which is drawn up with input from local residents, community councillors and councillors, to be created.

In a letter to Fife Council and local politicians, Mr Poole, said: “We would want to stress that we are not against development in the town of Cupar – indeed the exact opposite.

“Cupar North has resulted in no significant house building in Cupar for the last 15 years, and there is a significant unmet housing need now.

“It could, indeed, be argued that the Cupar North development, rather than boosting the town and area, is dragging the town downwards.”

Mr Poole also argues that this is a Fife Council-driven plan, and that the community, and its representatives on the community council and local councillors, have not been involved in the discussions.

The group has also highlighted information from a 2018 report which states that town centre traffic and pollution would increase as a result of the development, despite a new bypass being built as part of the plans.

Councillor Margaret Kennedy backed calls for a review, saying: “I will continue to seek support for a full review of the current land allocations in Cupar, as to a more positive and constructive way forward to provide the opportunity for more organic growth throughout the ward, as the reach of the impact of Cupar North is considerably further than the town of Cupar.”

Fife Council head of planning Pam Ewen confirmed that the planning application remains with the council for consideration.

She added: “We are waiting for a number of new assessments from the applicants to progress the assessment. We appreciate there is some concern in the community at the length of time the application has been with us for consideration. However, we anticipate that assessments will be submitted to allow the council to consider the application.”