Controversial plans to construct 11 affordable homes in Glenrothes have been recommended for approval.
Members of Fife Council’s central area planning committee have been advised to give the green light to proposals that would see seven houses and four flats constructed on the site of the former Bankhead House children’s home in Pitteuchar.
Members of the local community have strongly criticised the plans, claiming that there is already a shortage of parking spaces in Tantallon Avenue the area where the proposed properties would be constructed.
Concerns have also been raised about the loss of adjoining green space, which local children use to play.
However, Peter Scobie, the chairman of Pitteuchar, Stenton and Finglassie Community Council, said that he believes nothing will prevent the development from going ahead.
“I think it will go ahead,” he told The Courier.
“There is a play park nearby, so I don’t think there is an argument there. I don’t like the way things have been done, though.
“At first, they said it would be 10 houses but they stuck in an extra one to take it to 11.”
The community council has supported residents in their efforts to halt the development, with a petition containing 210 signatures presented to Fife Council in October.
However, the community council is currently inactive due to an administrative matter, meaning that residents’ individual objections to the planning application are all that councillors will have for guidance.
More than five letters of objection have been received by the local authority, which is why the planning committee has been asked to determine the application.
However, with a huge shortage of housing throughout Fife, the plans are expected to be given the go-ahead.
A report prepared by Derek Simpson, planning case officer, for councillors ahead of tomorrow’s vote states that approving the properties would provide much-needed affordable housing in the area.
He said: “The development would result in the provision of affordable housing within an area highlighted as having a shortfall, while ensuring no significant adverse impact with regards to road safety and residential amenity issues.
“In terms of urban design, the scheme would relate well to the existing surrounding residential development and would respect the character and appearance of the area.
“While an area of open space would be lost to facilitate the scheme, it is considered on balance that this would be acceptable, given its low amenity and natural heritage value and given the good level of provision of open space within the vicinity of the site.”