New lodges and therapy suite planned in holiday retreat at Fife farm

David and Jane Keridge have submitted an application to the change the use of land at Waltonhill Farmhouse, Chance Inn, Cupar.

The couple, who have stayed at the location for 27 years, want to add three holiday lodges, a therapy suite with associated holistic and clinical consultation facilities, a smallholding, and a permanent owner–operator’s dwelling for the applicants.

Mrs Kerridge is a a qualified and professionally registered holistic health practitioner who works with clients living with and beyond cancer.

A supporting statement, submitted as part of the application to the local authority, said: “The smallholding forms an integral part of the retreat operation, contributing to guest experience, on-site food provision, and the overall viability of the enterprise. It includes sheep breeding, poultry, and organic food production, all of which require daily care, monitoring, and, at times, immediate intervention.

“In particular, livestock management, including lambing, necessitates close and continuous supervision including overnight presence to ensure animal welfare and minimise risk.

“These demands extend beyond standard working hours and cannot reasonably be met from off-site accommodation due to the need for immediate response times. The requirement for on-site residential accommodation at Waltonhill Retreat is therefore driven by a clear and demonstrable functional need arising from the combined operation of a rural retreat business and an associated smallholding.

“The enterprise is the product of two individuals whose skills, values and personal commitment are deeply integrated with the concept and operation of the retreat. Neither the enterprise without them, nor they without the enterprise, makes coherent sense. Their home is on this site because their life’s work is on this site.”

Councillors will consider the application in due course.