180 new homes for north east Fife town despite councillor’s concerns
Plans are progressing on a development which will see over 180 new homes built in Newburgh.
Members of Fife Council’s North East planning committee approved an application for planning permission in principle for the residential development on a site to the south of Cupar Road.
The proposals from Perth-based A&J Stephen Ltd also include the safeguarding of land for a cemetery extension, formation of accesses, landscaping, open space and associated works.
A total of 11 objections were submitted, with most concerns centring on the loss of agricultural land, traffic, infrastructure, lack of detail.
A report to the committee said: “With regard to prime agricultural land, while it does fall within the class, the local development plan specifically allocated this land for development.”
Further details of the homes and the site will follow in future applications - the application for planning permission in principle is only indicative at this stage and there are conditions recommended requiring submission of detailed design and access statement at the next stage of the process to ensure the development reflects the character of the area.
Councillor David MacDiarmid (Howe of Fife and Tay Coast, SNP), expressed concerns about the effect the new homes would have on the area.
He said: “Main Street in Newburgh is probably the most characteristic in the whole of Fife where no two houses look the same, roof heights are different, all the windows are different. It adds character to the whole street. I see nothing going forward that is going to give me confidence that this development will enhance the surrounding of Newburgh, and I fear it will diminish the whole character of the area.”
Councillors unanimously agreed to grant the application.