Housing development plans unanimously rejected

PLANS for a housing development in Kirkcaldy have been unanimously rejected amid a number of concerns about the project.

Dyce-based JPR Services Ltd had sought permission in principle for 48 flats and 26 townhouses on a vacant site at the junction of Hendry Road and Hayfield Industrial Estate.

However, members of Fife Council’s central area planning committee have rejected the proposals after planners recommended refusal.

The site, bound by Hendry Road to the west, Hayfield Place to the south and industrial buildings to the east, was cleared about a decade ago, but has lain vacant for longer than that — with the proposed developer claiming it would provide 74 muchneeded two and three-bedroom properties.

Nevertheless, council planners stressed it should be blocked in the interests of safeguarding protected employment land, as the applicant had failed to demonstrate the site cannot be redeveloped for employment use and because it could prejudice neighbouring commercial businesses.

Derek Simpson, lead officer, told committee members the applicant had failed to demonstrate the site could accommodate 74 residential units and provide acceptable levels of open space and garden ground. He suggested residents could be exposed to unacceptable levels of noise and odour impacts as a car repair garage and fish processing facility are located directly across the road.

Mr Simpson added that there was also a shortfall of 11 parking spaces in the development as proposed, which could impact on road and pedestrian safety.