Councillors reject appeal to turn Kirkcaldy waterfront flat into commercial let
A bid to overturn the refusal of a short-term commercial let at Kirkcaldy’s waterfront has been unsuccessful.
Retrospective planning permission had been sought to change the use of a two-bedroom second-floor flat at 36 Deas Wharf from a dwelling to commercial let accommodation.
Fife Council refused the application in June, saying the applicant had failed to demonstrate that the loss of residential accommodation would be outweighed by significant local economic benefits.
Steve Lannarelli , strategic development manager told members of the planning review committee that concerns had been raised over noise from visitors in the shared stairwell and from frequent cleaning, as well as about parking.
The applicant had mooted measures such as restrictions on washing-machine use and thicker underlay beneath rugs and noise-monitoring device.
However members of the review body questioned how that would be enforceable.
Councillor Lesley Backhouse (Burntisland, Kinghorn and Western Kirkcaldy, SNP) backed the original decision.
“It does demonstrate some economic benefits but I am not sure that outweighs the case given the level of need in the Kirkcaldy area for residential properties.”
Councillor Ken Caldwell (Buckhaven, Methil and Wemyss Villages, SNP) agreed. He added: “We have declared a housing emergency so loss of any houses would be a big ask.”
The review body unanimously agreed to reject the appeal.