Charrette could produce vision for Crail’s future expansion

Residents of Crail hope to influence its development by establishing a charrette.

Hundreds of new homes could be built in the East Neuk village over the next two decades if proposals in Fife’s development plan come to pass.

Its community council agreed at a public meeting to set up a charrette to allow people to help plan the burgh’s future.

Crail will be the latest in a number of Fife towns and villages to start a charette, a design process involving the public and stakeholders.

Max Taylor, acting chairman of the Royal Burgh of Crail and District Community Council, said: “Although the recently agreed FIFEplan presents many challenges for Crail, it also offers opportunities.

“This meeting demonstrates the enthusiasm in Crail to face its problems and to look forward to how it would like to develop in the next 20 to 30 years.”

Those at the meeting, which Mr Taylor said was very well attended, learned about the charette process from Edinburgh-based architect Ewan Anderson.

East Neuk and Landward councillor Bill Porteous was among the crowd of around 60 listeners.

He said: “There was strong support from the audience for a proactive rather than reactive response to the FIFEplan for Crail.

“As an eloquent speaker within the audience said, we do not want to stop development, but ensure it is informed development based on local needs and aspirations.

“The next stage is seeking people from across the community to help start a vision for Crail’s future.”