A proposal to build on a swathe of land at Hillside School in Aberdour has been described as “profit driven opportunism” by the community council.
But the planners behind the development of 120 new homes said not all feedback from residents has been negative.
The proposals, which exceed the existing limit of 70 homes as specified on the local development plan, went on display at the Woodside Hotel on Thursday.
School director Anne Harvey said the development would fund a fit for purpose facility to replace Hillside’s ageing buildings.
But in their response to the draft Fife Local Development Plan (FIFEplan), Scottish Government reporters said stating that proceeds would be spent on a new school carried “little or no weight when considering the merits of development on the 22-hectare site.”
Aberdour Community Council chairman Arthur Lloyd said what is outlined in the plan when it is finalised should be adhered to.
“I appeal to all of our councillors to help us defeat this opportunist approach to circumvent our planning system,” he said.
“We in Aberdour accept that more housing stock may have to be included in a revised village envelope, but the Hillside proposals breach the bounds of common sense and provide a blatant demonstration of profit driven opportunism.
“To use the school as a leverage to obtain planning permission for 120 houses is despicable.
“We accept that the FIFEplan is something that we will have to live with, but let it be that. A plan, not to be changed, altered or subverted by developers who, we all know, are driven by profit and not by the interests of our community.”
Philip Neaves from planners Felsham PD said: “It’s not the case that no development is envisaged for this site. Seventy dwellings have already been allowed.”
He said some of those viewing the plans had been supportive.
“There’s a recognition that there is a need for housing, and a need for housing for elderly people,” he continued.
“There’s a range of views coming, and it’s not the case that everybody is opposing it.”
He said building 70 homes would “open the door” to further development.
“The remainder of the land would come under pressure in the future, so why not plan it as a whole in the one go?”
