Company applies for permission for first phase of expansion

A proposal to build the first of around 1,400 homes at Halbeath took a step forward as a planning application was lodged.

Taylor Wimpey East Scotland has asked Fife Council for permission in principle to construct 340 houses, the first phase of an expansion which the company says is crucial to support the delivery of Dunfermline’s northern link road.

The 17.2 hectare site lies immediately north of Halbeath, bounded by the B912 Whitefield Road and Kingseat road to the north and west.

Its development would also include a portion of the link road, which would run along its northern edge, with a connector road rerouting Whitefield Road into the site.

Local people had the opportunity to comment at three public consultation events in March, last year.

Taylor Wimpey’s agent Geddes Consulting said a number of amendments had been made to the proposal, which includes affordable housing, as a result.

Orientating streets to maximise views to the south, locating the open space and play area east of the Buckie Burn and addition of an acoustic barrier to reduce noise impact from the link road have been added.

Phase one forms part of a development framework for the wider 79.2 hectare site, where it is also intended to create a community hub, comprising a new primary school and retail, employment and community facilities.

Geddes Consulting said the expansion would bring benefits, including creating 213 jobs during construction and support a further 190 in the wider supply chain.