We'll fight 100 house plan for Aberdour

Aberdour, famed for its blue flag beach, is at full capacity say residents

Cala Homes has submitted a pre-application notice for land south of Main Street, despite the site’s removal from a draft FIFEplan by councillors after more than 250 objections were lodged by locals.

Cala has requested the Scottish Government reinstate the site.

East Aberdour Residents’ group, however, slammed Cala for its “premature” application and said sewage, traffic, GP and primary school provision was already overstretched.

A spokesman said: “I know of three children in the catchment area who were offered alternative places in Duloch, Dunfermline.

“Burntisland is full, it’s not an option to go there.”

The average price paid for a property in Aberdour during 2015 was £265,272 - twice that of Kirkcaldy.

The group argues that a development of 100 houses at Main Street would increase the size of Aberdour by around 20 per cent and destroy habitat used by bats and white owls.

A spokesman added: “There were a few people in favour of the application, who said they would welcome affordable housing in the area.

“However, I don’t think a lot of people understand that Cala don’t necessarily have to build affordable housing on that land; they can contribute to an affordable housing ‘pot’ or build on other land that they have.”

He added: “In Livingston, for example, they built two ‘affordable’ semi-detached houses which were marketed at £250,000 each.”

Derek Lawson, strategic land director with CALA Homes (East) said the proposal was first discussed three years ago and had support from planners.

The number and type of homes being proposed was a still “a long way” from being determined.

Public consultation was “a key element in the due planning process” and the company looked forward to sharing further details of what could be a “positive development for the community,” he said.

Cala Homes is inviting members of the public to discuss the proposals at an event on Thursday, February 18 from 2-8pm at St Fillan’s Parish Church Hall.

The developer also met with Aberdour Community Council in November.

Mr Lawson said: “That gave us the opportunity to explain the details of the site and why we believe it would be ideal for much-needed family homes, including affordable homes, in the area. “It was a very useful and positive opportunity for each side to set out their position.”