Calls for timescale on controversial 1400-home development in Fife town

The development, which could see around 1400 homes built on the northern edge of the town, has come under fire in the last week, with locals and politicians criticising the length of time it has taken and claiming it has held back other development in Cupar.

The site was first earmarked for development 15 years ago.

MSP Willie Rennie has written to Fife Council co-leaders Cllr David Alexander and Cllr David Ross, and chief executive Steve Grimmond to ask them to commit to a definite timescale and what consideration is being given to alternative developments.

In his letter, he said: “Cupar North has resulted in there being no significant house building in Cupar for the last 15 years and there is now a significant unmet housing need.

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

“Over the past 15 years, many people have proclaimed their support for a review of the development which has never come to pass.”

Former north east Fife councillor Andrew Arbuckle has also backed calls for a timetable.

He wrote to Pam Ewen, Fife Council head of planning, this week, and claimed there had been a “dilution of demands” attached to the proposed development.

He also mentioned the number of objections to the application, adding: “Many of those objecting expressed their concern at the scale of the development which would turn their town into a building site for the next couple of decades.”

Meanwhile, environmental group Cupar North has called for other assurances about the plans. The group has argued that the development should move Cupar towards sustainability,

Chairman Gordon Pay says it should promote district heating for Cupar – the group has planning permission for a energy centre at the former beet silo – and that the relief road built as part of the plans should promote active travel.

Ms 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.”