Plan to add 300 new homes to Fife village approved

The land near Thornton could see more homes.

Property firm Gladman Developments had sought planning permission in principle for the site to the west of Thornton, north of Strathore Road.

It proposed creating a ‘gateway to the existing settlement’ of Thornton that could expand the village further to the west and north over time. The proposals comply with Fife’s Local Development Plan, which has earmarked land around Thornton for new homes.

Drawings included with Gladman’s application suggest the developer would create at least two play areas and open green space throughout the 14.5 hectare plot, along with widespread planting along the edges of new and existing roads.

It has also safeguarded a plot of land in the development for a future primary school under advice from Fife Council planning officers, who say additional homes across this and other earmarked plots could lead to up to 900 new homes and an increase in demand for education with it.

However, details of a school – and more detailed proposals relating to the houses themselves – will follow in a future planning application before any construction work is allowed to begin on the site.

Councillors on Fife’s Central and West Planning Committee reviewed Gladman’s plans on Wednesday. Bobby Clelland (Scottish Labour, West Fife and Coastal Villages) and John Beare (SNP, Glenrothes North, Leslie and Markinch) asked questions on consultation with the Coal Authority and the distance from the development to Thornton train station.

Case officer William Shand, in recommending the blueprint for approval, said: “The development would have no significant impact in terms of residential amenity, transportation, drainage or natural heritage subject to mitigation and controls being implemented in the detailed applications and during the development."