Construction of new housing development edges closer

The creation of a major new housing estate in Glenrothes has taken a step forward.

Fife Council’s central area planning committee agreed in principle three years ago to allow construction of 420 homes and several industrial units at Westwood Park, on the town’s south side.

However, any progress was hindered by logistical issues regarding the timing of construction work, which now appear to have been resolved following the conclusion of a legal agreement between Fife Council and developer Landteam Scotland.

The Westwood Park project, between Stenton and Thornton, could swell the population of Glenrothes significantly, with construction likely to take around a decade.

The original decision was taken after lengthy questioning of planning officials by members, with councillors expressing their worries over the impact of additional traffic on Thornton and the A92.

At around 41 hectares, the huge site will have three areas, with access to industrial sites achieved from an access point at the Bankhead roundabout.

To cater for new housing, road junctions would be created on Foxton Drive, where access points already exist.

The first phase of housebuilding would take place in the south-east corner of the application site, next to Blackwood Road.

Further housebuilding would take place on the western side of the land, next to Stenton, while further business and industrial sites will be constructed in and around existing units.

Land at the site has been earmarked for a new school, though this is unlikely to be constructed initially.