Cupar North opponents frustrated as minister rejects meeting

Opponents of a massive development planned for Cupar have expressed their frustration after a key Holyrood minister rebuffed their invitation of a meeting.

Some 1,400 homes could be built on land to the north of the town, but there have long been concerns locally about the effect the plans will have on the town and its infrastructure.

Local MSP Willie Rennie and others had hoped to meet with housing and local government minister Kevin Stewart, who has the final say on signing off the FifePlan which includes the Cupar North development, but Mr Stewart has since declined the invitation - stating that the 28-day consideration period for Scottish ministers had started.

“It is important that the ministers consideration period is not influenced, therefore, as before, it would not be appropriate for me to meet to discuss the plan or its contents,” he wrote.

That response, however, has angered Mr Rennie.

“People in Cupar made a reasonable request that the Scottish Government minister listens to their concerns about Cupar North before he decides whether to approve the FifePlan,” he said.

“Cupar North is a massive expansion to the town that will change the character of the area forever. It’s not surprising that lots of local people are opposed to this.

“We made a simple request that the Scottish Government Minister Kevin Stewart meet them. It is frustrating he has refused. For the next 20 years Cupar will be subjected to considerable change and upheaval.

“At this last minute I would urge the minister to change his mind and meet with representatives of the Cupar community.”