Angry Kinross-shire residents have stepped up their fight against a controversial housing development in Milnathort over fears it will cause traffic chaos.
More than 160 objections have been filed against plans by Springfield Properties, which wants to build 59 houses and eight flats on land at Pitdownies, in the heart of the small town.
Protesters are concerned road access to the proposed development would be coupled with another 80-house development already under construction at Pace Hill, less than half-a-mile away.
The Pace Hill project has also been met with complaints from surrounding residents.
Opponents argue the combined schemes would result in up to 300 extra vehicles using a residential street off Wester Loan, which is already a notorious bottleneck.
At a Milnathort and Orwell Community Council meeting this week, concerned residents formed an action group to address Perth and Kinross Council when the proposal goes before committee in February.
Craig Williams, chairman of the community council, said: “We have serious concerns about this proposed development, chiefly due to the lack of suitable access.
“All traffic will have to use Wester Loan, which is a narrow road originally built for horses and carts, and cross an old bridge over a burn.
“There are already problems at this location, and, with so much extra traffic, not only would the potential for accidents be greatly increased but also access for emergency services would be seriously compromised.
“While we are not opposed to new developments per se, this one is a development too far for our village and we intend to fight it every step of the way.”
Objectors also fear the local schools and health centre are under severe strain and that the Milnathort waste water treatment plant would not be able to cope.
Last year, furious protesters took to the street against the proposal and formed a Pitdownies Campaign Group.
The Pitdownies site is the latest in a number of controversial planning developments in Kinross-shire.
The construction of around 300 homes at Lathro Farm has been been met with a catalogue of complaints from nearby residents and homeowners.
A number of controversial developments in Kinross have also been passed by planning in Kinross in recent months, including the demolition of the former Windlestrae hotel to build a retirement village .
Retrospective planning permission was also granted to developers who demolished a former manse at the Kirkland’s Garage site on Kinross High Street within the town’s conservation area without planning permission.
