Diverted public right of way at South Fod approved by council

The City of Dunfermline area committee has approved the diversion of the public right of way at South Fod.

Planning permission was given for 85 homes on the Dunfermline site by the west planning committee last year.

The development is now being built but some houses encroach on a public right of way.

Initially, the preference was to retain the right of way and incorporate it into the development but it was discovered the right of way continued on to land owned by a third party where it was unofficially stopped up by a timber fence.

The applicant was not able to secure the continuation of any path outwith its site and so thought it would be more appropriate to re-route it through the residential area.

The new route, which will have lighting, will be of a standard so it can be adopted.

The British Horse Society, Scottish Rights of Way Society, Fife Access Forum and Ramblers were consulted and had no objection to the changes.

Committee convener Helen Law said: “Initially the preference was for the right of way to be incorporated into the development that’s currently under way.

“However, this hasn’t been possible so it will be re-routed through the residential area.

“Although this changes the nature of the path from being rural to urban, it means that the new path will be suitable for multi-use access and will protect the wider path network for future generations.”

There will be a 28-day objection period once the plan is advertised. If there are any objections Scottish ministers would have to confirm.