‘Anxiety’ over local plan delay

THE Scottish Government’s response to the Fife l ocal development plan is now expected to be delayed by five months.

Fife Council’s depute leader Lesley Laird has again raised concerns about the cost of delays to the FIFEplan.

T h e G o v e r n m e n t ’s Planning and Environmental Appeals Division had set an initial target date in June for the report but it is now expected to be in the council’s hands in the week beginning November 14.

Mrs Laird said: “These delays are causing uncertainty in the Fife economy and anxiety for communities and developers.

“There are a number of major planning applications where the applicants are awaiting the outcomes of the examination before progressing with t heir applications.”

A Holyrood spokesman said: “Reporters considering the Fife local development plan have had to issue more than 100 requests for more information because of insufficient information submitted by the council.”