Proposals for a new shopping centre on the outskirts of Cupar should be given the go-ahead, planners have recommended.
Councillors will be asked to approve a planning application for the retail development at South Road, on a site originally earmarked for a new Tesco store, when they meet on Wednesday.
North east Fife planning committee will consider the application by SC Cupar Ltd for six units comprising shops and takeaways on a plot formerly occupied by Reekie Motors.
It has been recommended for approval, subject to a number of conditions, despite several objections from local people.
Letters from Cupar Development Trust, the community council and Sustainable Cupar, as well as from individuals, have expressed concern about noise from the site, road safety and the potential impact the development would have on the town centre.
In particular, fears have been expressed about the safety of pedestrians and cyclists and the effect a busy new junction would have on the safe route to school.
Planning officer William Shand said access to the development would be from a new mini-roundabout on South Road.
There would be 183 car parking spaces.
Addressing concern the shops could take custom from the town centre, Mr Shand said: “There are no vacant units within the town centre which are of suitable size to accommodate this development.
“The majority of units within the town centre are small in floor space terms and could not accommodate even the smallest unit proposed within this development.”
The officer said the provision of an acoustic fence would address noise concerns due to the sound of delivery vehicles, car parking and plant and machinery.
He stated that the noise would be similar to current levels.
“The proposed development complies with the relevant policies,” Mr Shand said.
“The site is allocated for mixed use development and a proposal for retail and takeaway is considered to comply with this policy.”
He added: “The site has a history of retail consents which is also material to the consideration of this application.”
