Residents of a Glenrothes suburb have spoken of their relief after plans to almost double the size of their neighbourhood were rejected.
Brian Sheerins, chairman of the Concerned Newcastle Residents (CNR) group, has thanked politicians for rejecting plans by developers for around 300 homes at Milldeans, in the town’s west end.
Mr Sheerins hailed the decision as a “great day” for the community following a two-year campaign against the plans.
He added: “The Milldeans planning application was robustly rejected and the CNR would like to thank members for their decision.
“Although the application has been rejected by Fife Council, both in the local development plan and now by the central area planning committee, this is no guarantee that this will stop future appeals or applications.
“However, the decision will certainly delay any development for the fore- seeable future.”
Residents and councillors have held concerns over the viability of developing Milldeans since the site was included in the town’s local development plan in 2013.
An issue repeatedly highlighted by campaigners is access to the Newcastle estate, which is by a single junction on Golf Course Road.
With more than 400 houses already serviced by this one route, there were suggestions that further housing would require emergency services to nominate a local cycle path as a possible secondary route
Councillor Bill Brown said: “This has come up before and the issue has been the single point of access.
“Using a footpath as a route for the emergency services is crazy.
“It’s where people cycle and walk. Children use it.
“To me it is ridiculous to use a path or cycle way in this way.
“There is only one way in and one way out of this estate.”
He was supported by fellow town representative Kay Morrison, who added: “I have an understanding of the site and the features that make it difficult, but I am surprised and astonished that this application has come to us.
“This is not the way to change our thinking to allocating sites.
“We have a process that we have to work our way through.
“It is a huge application and site but when you understand the layout and access problems, it is a cul-de-sac.
“It is a non-starter to me.”
Councillors unanimously agreed to refuse the application.jowatson@thecourier.co.uk