Residents claim new development would ‘devastate’ woodland

PLANNING: Firm wants to build industrial units at the corner of Calais Muir Woods

Ambitious plans for a major mixed-use development to the east of Dunfermline have been met with a wave of opposition from local residents.

The Stirling-based Almond Real Estate Company is seeking planning permission in principle to turn the Axis Point site in Sandpiper Drive into 190,000sq ft of industrial units, car parking and access roads.

However, a group of local campaigners have mobilised against the plans for the corner of Calais Muir Woods, which they say will have a huge impact on wildlife and the environment and would deprive the community of an important walking spot.

Well over 300 objections have been submitted to the blueprint, and the Calais Woods Conservation Group plans to meet at Duloch Park on Saturday, between noon and 1.30pm, to raise awareness of the development.

“Our woods and the natural beauty that we are so, so lucky to have on our doorstep is under threat.

CALAIS WOODS CONSERVATION GROUP SPOKESMAN

A spokesman for the group said the plans for around the Calais Muir Woods, which have been there for more than 100 years and are known locally as Kellis Woods, risked “suffocating” the important site.

“Being stuck indoors during the coronavirus outbreak has reminded all of us just how important it is to have access to the outdoors,” the spokesperson added.

“I’ve had the good fortune to grow up just a short walk from Calais Woods to enjoy walking it my entire life.

“But our woods and the natural beauty that we are so, so lucky to have on our doorstep is under threat.

“If this development was to be approved, it would be devastating to the local area.”

The proposals comprise a mix of class four (business), class five (general industrial) and class six (storage and distribution) units, and associated infrastructure.

Agents for the firm involved have held three pre-application consultation events and say they are awaiting a decision from Fife councillors on whether a more detailed planning application will be welcomed.

They say the land has been allocated for industrial use in the local plan.

A group of campaigners have mobilised against the plans for the corner of Calais Muir Woods.