Fife housing development refused for trying to 'squish' 65 homes onto land

Scots housebuilder Springfield has failed in its bid to “squish” 65 homes onto a patch of land on the outskirts of Strathkinness.

Springfield, based in Elgin, had hoped to build the homes in a field to the north of Bonfield Road.

The entire field has been designated by Fife Council as being suitable for up to 66 homes after planning permission in principle was granted in 2019.

However, Springfield sought to build all but one of those homes in just two-thirds of the plot, earmarking the remainder of the site for “potential future development”. Technical drawings included with the application suggested this could be as many as 14 extra dwellings.

The development was slammed for 'squishing' homes together.

The housebuilder described the proposals as “a high quality residential environment…respecting both the surrounding built and natural environment”.

But its plans were criticised by Councillor Jane Ann Liston as a stealthy attempt to add more homes to the site than were permitted. She tabled a motion, approved by majority, to have the homes refused.

The Liberal Democrat said: “The houses look awfully squished together. There are concerns this is a backdoor to get more houses in. I’d be interested to hear what has to be said about that.”

Residents of Strathkinness, a village of roughly 350 homes, made 32 formal objections to the plans, citing concerns over the development’s density and the impact 65 homes would have on Strathkinness Primary School, which has 75 pupils on its roll.

There were concerns that it would leave to more homes being jammed in.

Alastair Hamilton, Fife Council’s development management service manager, sought to dismiss those concerns.

“Density is something that’s never a good indicator of what’s good design,” he said.

“It’s about how that works and how it sits as part of the kind of, natural expansion of a settlement.

“I have to say, from my perspective it doesn’t shout out at me as being a particularly dense layout.”

The development could have seen an influx of school pupils.

He also suggested that, were the 65 homes approved, Springfield could come forward with further plans to build homes in excess of the 66 home limit.

Cllr Liston’s motion, backed by fellow Lib Dem Jonny Tepp, recommended refusing the plans on the grounds of a lack of “physical amenity”.

She said: “What we have here is 65 houses that have been put into two thirds of the site. It is out of keeping, the houses next door have more space, these are too squished together.

The motion was passed by eight votes to five.

Springfield Homes was contacted for comment.