A councillor has threatened to resign his committee post over what he described as the worst planning breach he has seen.
Councillor David MacDiarmid was so appalled at two houses built in Newburgh contrary to planning permission that he threatened to give up his seat on Fife Council’s north east planning committee.
Despite fury among neighbours in Guthrie Gardens that the houses had been built higher than permitted, council officers recommended they be allowed to remain.
The committee disagreed and refused retrospective planning permission, which means the unfinished properties may have to be pulled down unless there is a successful appeal to the Scottish Government.
Mr MacDiarmid said: “This has not been a shambles, it’s been a disgrace.
“It is the worst planning application I have seen in nine-and-a-half years as a councillor.
“The houses have been built without any consideration for the families living next to them.”
Mr MacDiarmid accused planners of trying to justify something which was clearly wrong to avoid the expenses of a successful appeal.
He said: “If it does goes to appeal and the reporter doesn’t say these should be taken down I may pack in the planning committee, that’s how strongly I feel.”
The houses were erected by Derlin Developments in an existing estate after planning consent was issued six years ago.
However, they were not built according to the approved plans and council enforcement officers stepped in.
The breach resulted in conflict between neighbours and builders working on site.
Steven Fyffe, who lives next door to one of the properties, reckons up to £20,000 has been knocked from the value of his four-bedroom home.
He said: “Our house looks like a cottage next to this monstrosity.
“The fact they can come and do what they want makes a travesty of planning law.”
Neighbour Hannah Lowe said: “This has been an absolute nightmare for everyone.
“We felt like the planning department was railroading it through.
“It’s a relief to know that someone has taken our complaints seriously.”
The planners’ report to committee said it was regrettable there were issues between builders and residents but these were not planning matters and that the developments were considered acceptable.
Pam Ewen, senior manager in planning, said: “Following the decision of the north east planning committee the council is considering the options.
“The applicant has the right to appeal the decision.”
No one from Derlin Developments, based in Bridge of Earn, was available for comment.
