Plans for much-needed affordable homes in Glenrothes have been dropped at the 11th hour.
Raith Developments has pulled its planning application to build 36 homes at Lochty View, straddling the town’s border with Thornton, after concerns were raised by private homeowners in the estate.
The news came just hours before a planned public meeting on the proposed development was due to take place in Thornton Village Hall, and The Courier understands the plans are now unlikely to be resubmitted by the private developer.
A spokesman for Raith Developments confirmed that the plans had been withdrawn.
“The meeting has been cancelled due to adverse reaction from householders,” he said.
“It is very disappointing but I think it was the best thing to do given the circumstances.”
Raith Developments had stated its desire to construct 36 homes in the exclusive Lochty View estate, consisting of 28 two-bedroom flats and eight three-bedroom houses.
If the plans had been approved, it was intended for Fife Council to purchase the homes with a view to making them available for mid-market rent.
However, The Courier has learned that many private homeowners were aggravated by the planned development, having paid large sums of money to own property in the area.
Although Raith Developments is pushing ahead with plans for 14 affordable homes in Leven, the withdrawal has come as a bitter blow for Fife Council in its efforts to deliver 2,700 new properties by 2017.
Alan Russell, senior manager for housing condition and supply, said: “We have been speaking to a number of private developers to deliver affordable housing as part of the council’s new build programme. Not all of these discussions come to fruition.”
Councillor Ross Vettraino believes the withdrawal of the plans suggests the council’s communication with residents has improved, following recent controversies.
“The news will be a huge relief to the local residents,” he said.
“But I’m delighted that in the process officers were communicating with the community. It seems to be an improvement in communication following the developments at Station Road and Tantallon Avenue.”