Plans for huge housing project set to take step forward

Ambitious plans that could dramatically change the shape of Newburgh are expected to move forward in the coming months.

Perth-based developer A&J Stephen has lodged a formal proposal of application notice (PAN) with Fife Council as part of its blueprint for land to the north and south of Cupar Road.

It is thought up to 275 new homes could be built on the site thanks to housing allocations detailed in the FIFE-plan, with 225 houses earmarked for the south of Cupar Road and a further 50 to the north of the route.

Very little details have emerged so far about the proposed scheme, but A&J Stephen says it is keen to create a mixed-use development which would include housing and employment land.

The application also suggests that Newburgh Primary School could be expanded as part of any plans that come forward, while the cemetery could also perhaps be extended.

As part of the PAN process, a consultation event is expected to be held giving locals the chance to see what has been proposed and give comments.

Residents will surely be keen to see the finer points of any future planning application, given the furore created in recent years over housing allocations locally.

The Newburgh Sustainable Housing Campaign, which was formed in 2005 in response to the then Fife Structure Plan, carried out a survey last year which showed that most people only wanted to see a maximum of 100 houses built over a period of 10 years. Opponents also criticised A&J Stephen for failing to properly consult with the community over its plans for the area at that time.