Major housing plan for vacant site suffers another setback

Plans for dozens of new homes on a vacant site in the north of Kirkcaldy have suffered another blow.

JPR Service Limited had wanted to create 48 flats and 26 townhouses on land at the junction of Hendry Road and Hayfield Industrial Estate, although planning permission in principle was refused by councillors back in April.

The company has since appealed against that decision, but the Scottish Government’s Reporter has now dismissed that appeal.

Those behind the appeal suggested the site had been continually marketed since 2007 and argued there had a been lack of demand, adding that using the land for employment purposes was no longer viable.

With housing across the road from the industrial estate to the west, the company said the site was suitable for residential use and would make a positive contribution to housing land supply – also noting that the proposed housing would be subject to similar noise levels as existing housing on the west side of Hendry Road.

However, Fife Council planners argued that the development was contrary to the local economic strategy and would inhibit economic growth.

They said it failed to adhere to the six qualities of a successful place, was considered isolated and poorly integrated with the surrounding urban environment, would be overly reliant on private car use and would adversely affect the amenity of future residents.

After a site visit, Scottish Government reporter Lorna McCallum said she felt the proposed housing conflicted with Scottish planning policy as a whole and refused the appeal.