A feature in a Fife village is to be reconstructed 17 months after being demolished by a property developer.
The stone boundary wall near Falkland Palace will be rebuilt within three months after an appeal by Lomond Land Ltd against a Fife Council enforcement notice was dismissed by the Scottish Government.
The demise of the wall, described as an “act of vandalism,” angered residents and Fife Council, who claimed the developer carried out the work without authorisation.
Having contested the enforcement notice, Lomond Land was informed yesterday that its appeal against the order had failed, with a Scottish Government reporter ruling that the company must rebuild the wall.
Community council chairman Anthony Garrett revealed his delight at the decision, stating: “A determined group from Falkland, supported by Fife Council, has battled for nearly 18 months to ensure that the destruction of a valuable wall would not be allowed. I hope that the wall will be built as soon as reasonably possible and that Lomond Homes will not be allowed to prevaricate.”
Fife Council development and buildings senior manager Jim Birrell said that although it had been a lengthy and complex saga, the Scottish Government’s decision reflects the strongly held views of Fife Council and the community.
He said: “Fife Council is delighted that the enforcement notice has been upheld following appeal and that no award of expenses has been granted against Fife Council as the council had not acted unreasonably.
“This important historic wall should not have been demolished without seeking formal permissions and it was a significant loss to the character and appearance of the Falkland Outstanding Conservation Area.
“The owners now have a period of three months (from September 9) to comply with the notice and rebuild the wall to its former condition and specifications. Hopefully this matter will now be brought to a successful and positive conclusion.”
The Courier attempted to contact Lomond Land and its legal representative but there was no response.