Controversial plans for affordable homes in Crail have been given the go-ahead by a Scottish Government reporter.
Fife Council put off making a decision on a proposal by Stewart Milne Homes for 48 terraced houses on land adjacent to Pinkerton Farm, Balcomie Road, and the developer appealed on the grounds of non-determination.
The proposal had drawn 82 objections, with concerns including lack of local employment, increase in traffic volume, pressure on schools and impact on the village as a tourist destination.
One objector said it would create an “overdeveloped ghetto” with another describing the homes as “boring, ugly, repetitive, cramped dwellings”.
But Scottish Government reporter Richard Dent approved the development. In his decision he highlighted the fact many had objected because 86% of the housing built would be affordable.
He said: “The site lies within a larger area which was granted planning permission for 78 houses in 2007.
“This development has been partially completed. There can be no dispute that the principle of residential development has been established on the site.
“Many third parties have objected on the basis that the development would lead to some 86% of the housing on the site falling within the affordable housing category.
“Some consider that the percentage proposed would simply not comply with the 30% requirement contained in the local plan or the benchmark of 25%.
“Others point out the figure is higher than the 20% contribution required in the Cupar and north-west Fife housing market.
“The council has not objected to the proposal in terms of affordable housing and I note the housing and neighbourhood services department supports it.
“Although this appeal is against the non-determination of the application, the council subsequently provided a response setting out four reasons why it was considered planning permission should not be granted.
“In summary, the council believes the design would have a detrimental impact on the character of the area and represent over-development.
“Insufficient open space is proposed, there would be no contribution to the quality of the environment and the question of energy conservation has not been addressed.
“These views of the council reflect the theme running through the representations by those who have lodged objections to the proposal. I do not believe that the general built form of the proposal to be of exceptionally high quality but, nevertheless, I share the view expressed in the committee report that the layout is acceptable.
“I believe the layout and the disposition of the buildings would contribute to a reasonable streetscape particularly taking into account the angular layout of the completed part of the development.”
In September, North-East Fife area committee agreed to continue the application for more detailed reasons for refusal including references to inappropriate design and lack of usable private garden ground.
Alastair Hamilton, service manager for community developments and investment, said: “This case went to north-east planning committee with a recommendation for approval.
“Councillors overturned the recommendation and the case was continued to the following committee in order that members could formally agree the reasons for refusal in line with agreed procedure.
“In the intervening period between the committees the applicant decided to appeal to Scottish Ministers on the grounds of non-determination.”