Sixty-five people have objected to plans for countryside holiday cabins in north east Fife amid fears for Serpentine Woods.
A planning application has been lodged for three chalet-style lodges on land at Cunnoquhie mansion house, near Letham.
Site owner Frances Hay-Smith wants to build the two-bedroom units in clearings within the ancient woodland to give visitors a tranquil, away-from-it-all experience.
She says the proposal would help meet demand for rural tourist accommodation while boosting Fife’s tourism sector.
Around 20 people have lodged letters of support with Fife Council, saying tourists play a key role in the local economy.
However, dozens of others are opposed to the idea and claim it would spoil the area and damage the woods.
Among the objectors is Michael Alexander, who lives close to the proposed site.
He said: “This is a peaceful place that residents of Letham use.
“This would be another salami slicing of the countryside.”
‘Commercialisation of the countryside is a hot topic’
Mr Alexander said: “It’s a controversial planning application because it’s so incongruous with what’s there.
“It’s in an area that’s designated as an ancient woodland.
“And it’s just so inappropriate.”
Mr Alexander and his family live on a farm next to the proposed development and they fear they will be disturbed by holidaymakers.
“There will be barbecues at night and music.
“It’s commercialisation of the countryside and it’s a hot topic around here.”
Concerns have also been lodged by the Woodland Trust Scotland and Fife Council’s transportation team.
Ancient woodland should be protected
The Woodland Trust, which owns 1,000 wooded areas across Scotland, said the proposal would lead to the direct loss of an ancient site.
Serpentine Woods has appeared on maps since 1860.
And the Trust said: “We believe that ancient woodland…is amongst the most precious and biodiverse habitats in the UK and is a finite resource which should be protected.
“Once gone it is lost forever.”
Meanwhile, the transportation service expressed concern about the access to the site, particularly its junction with the A92.
‘No adverse impacts’ from holiday accommodation plan
However, a document prepared on behalf of the applicant said the units would be built in clearings and woodland would be protected.
It adds that none of the buildings would have direct line of sight of Mr Alexander’s home.
“This proposal for holiday accommodation units is aimed at providing diversification of the use of the woodland area within the applicant’s ownership, also providing support for the rural economy of Cupar and north east Fife,” it said.
The paper said rural holiday accommodation was in high demand in the area.
And it continued: “There will be no adverse impacts in terms of road safety or in relation to other facilities.”
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