Major Cupar housing development given the green light

Councillors gave the go ahead to proposals to build 55 houses – and the layout for a further 113 houses – at Gilliesfaulds West, despite fears that it might impact on the Cupar North development.

With the site falling in the Cupar North strategic development area (SDA), the Cupar North Consortium objected to the plans fearing it could undermine its plans to build 1400 houses in the town.

The consortium argued that it did not want a “piecemeal approach within the SDA” and warned about the possible impact on planned infrastructure improvements.

Councillor Tony Miklinski said he was “glad” to see the plans, saying that “Cupar has waited long enough”.

He did, however, raise his concerns about the future of the rest of the Cupar North plans, saying: “I’m worried we are setting ourselves up, not to fail, but to make it more difficult than it needs to be.”

Councillors also had concerns about how the affordable houses were integrated with the rest of the development.

Despite some concerns, councillors approved the plans with no one calling for them to be rejected.

As well as including housing, the 10.9 hectare site will also include land for employment. It is currently used as agricultural land, with part of it used as a contractors’ yard.

As part of the plan, the A91 will have to be deviated into the site, and a roundabout created to allow access to the new development.

Contributions will also be made by the developers to a relief road and primary school infrastructure.

Councillors were provided with an update on the Cupar North plans.

The consortium’s work on the plans had been held up by the Covid-19 pandemic, but it is hoped work could restart later in the year, including consultation with the local community.

It was said that the plans could go before councillors next spring.