Proposals for the development of a privately-run crematorium near St Andrews came under public scrutiny at a meeting last night.
Members of Cameron Community Council hosted an open meeting at the village hall.
A planning application has been lodged with Fife Council by Montgomery Forgan Associates, acting on behalf of BFL Properties Ltd.
They are seeking detailed planning permission for the construction of a 350 square metre 120-seater crematorium building plus car park, coach park and memorial garden at 100 Acre Wood, Brewsterwells, off the B940.
Planning permission was previously granted on this site for six holiday cottages and an owner’s home.
Last night’s presentation was given by David Queripel of Montgomery Forgan Associates, on behalf of the applicant.
He explained that the clients had identified a “gap” in the market for crematorium facilities in North-East Fife.
A landscape architect had been consulted to “put the development into the context of the countryside”.
A transport statement had also been submitted to Fife Council that expressed confidence of minimal impact on the area’s country roads as services would be held outwith peak periods.
If the crematorium is given the go ahead, it is envisaged there would be up to seven services a day with an average of three.
Emissions would be strictly governed by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) and assurances were given it would use the latest technology with various filters that emitted “less pollution than a passing car.”
Community council chairman Gordon Ball expressed concerns that despite assurances on traffic flow, “popular” services at the local church could attract more than 100 vehicles, and asked how the proposed 66 parking spaces would cope.
Retired St Andrews policeman Bruce Thomson also predicted potential traffic issues due to cutbacks in traffic warden numbers and limited officers.
Kirkcaldy Crematorium, for example, had to build an overflow car park and yet cars often still parked in nearby Dunnikier Estate.
Mr Queripel said the average attendance at a funeral was 35 people, but these were all “exceedingly valid points.”