A controversial housing development in north Dunfermline has been given the green light, despite concerns the site lies on old mine workings.
Perth-based I&H Brown aims to start work on the £100 million development on 62 hectares of agricultural land between Parkneuk and Wellwood later this year.
Included in the plans are 1,100 homes including 275 affordable houses a new primary school, urban park, neighbourhood centre, employment land and a path and cycle network.
West Fife planning committee gave conditional approval to the plan in principle, pending a legal agreement, despite significant concerns about such a major development being built on top of mining land.
A year ago alarm bells sounded when a huge sinkhole, of three to four metres wide, opened up overnight.
As soon as it appeared, the Coal Authority fenced it off to protect the public, with the developer setting out its plans to prepare the ground and confirming the arrival of the sinkhole would not deter its ambitions.
A mine risk assessment report found coal seams across the site, at shallow, moderate and greater depth. There were also 22 mine entries there with only two previously treated.
The Coal Authority said it had “substantive concern”.
“Although all the correct risks have been identified, the applicant has not set out clear conclusions or a mitigation strategy for determining whether or not the development can proceed,” it said in response to public consultation.
Despite the concerns, the Coal Authority was satisfied that planning permission in principle could be granted subject to a number of conditions being attached.
This included additional specialist intrusive investigations to ensure that building could be carried out safely.
It said: “It is essential that the investigations establish the precise location of the mine entries and their current condition.
“Only then should the final layout and design of the site be finalised.”
An officer’s report said it agreed with the Coal Authority’s position that the outcome of final investigations might affect the land which could be developed on the site, or impact on the layout of the development.
It stressed the use of conditions to address contamination and land stability was essential.
Transport Scotland had no objections to the development but said it was essential junction improvement works at Pitreavie roundabout on the M90 were carried out.
A total of 54 objections to the scheme were lodged.
The report added: “There are several technical and detailed issues arising from the masterplan that would need to be addressed as the development proceeds to the next stages.
“The information contained within the application submission indicates that these things can all be achieved.”
Picture by David Wardle