Plans for a housing development that would significantly expand the west end of Glenrothes are back on the agenda.
Developers Saving Stream have requested an extension for plans that would transform the Whitehill Industrial Estate into a major housing estate.
Around 220 properties have been scheduled for construction at the site after planning permission in principle for the development was first granted in June 2012.
However, there have been no public developments since with developers now acknowledging that any construction work remains a long way off.
In a planning statement to Fife Council, the firm says: “A significant level of negotiation and follow-on work must take place in order to reach a position where the first application for approval of matters specified in conditions can be submitted to Fife Council.
“It is considered that a lesser period of time than three years will not be sufficient to accomplish this.”
A planning application to develop the site off Golf Course Road emerged in 2008, but were morphed into a second application for planning permission in principle two years later.
Since this was granted five years ago, work has been continuing behind the scenes to reach agreements with those businesses that would need to move from their current premises.
Developers hope these can concentrated in the southern part of the estate, freeing up the northern half for new housing.
As well as residential properties, the new estate would also include a care home and pub, while a new access road at the west end of the A921 is expected to be created.
“The proposed uses, access arrangements, phasing and quantum of development contained in the permitted permission in principle are unchanged,” the developer’s planning statement continues.
“The acceptability of the proposals in relation to the development plan is similarly unchanged.
“In summary, the planning policy against which the existing planning permission was assessed and ultimately approved has been carried forward into the emerging FifePlan; therefore, no changes to the development plan have come forward which would affect the conclusion that the proposal is in accordance with planning policy.”
